Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
PRE-MEETING SPRING
CIRCULAR LETTER #617
MARCH 2011
P.O. Box 570218 • Dallas, Texas 75357-0218 972-613-3044 • Fax: 972-613-5532 • www.ourgap.org
Message From the President Following in the time honored GAP tradition, established by John Schowalter many years ago, the time has come to change my name badge to “Has been”. It seams fitting, as my first meetings as a GAP fellow was in the spring of 1981. How time flies when you’re having fun (and no professional meeting is more fun to attend than our twice yearly retreat to NY). We are unique in many ways, and can be proud of the work we do to help advance our field. As an organization committed to producing relevant scholarly works, we have adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of professional publishing over the past few years, and kept ourselves relevant. Op Ed pieces, journal articles, powerpoint decks, and screen plays have, for the most part, replaced our historic GAP Reports. We have added, and continue to develop, new committees to keep pace with advances in our field while not forgetting the importance of the “old classics”. In many ways, we have returned to our roots as advocates for highlighting the critical issues facing American Psychiatry. We survived a very difficult financial challenge over the past two years, solely on the willingness of our members to continue to support our ongoing existence through a dues increase, and the magic Frances accomplishes yearly in running a lean and mean central office. Frances, you’re the best! This April we will welcome our new class of Fellows. I am fully confident Larry Gross and his committee have selected another outstanding group of talented residents ready to make their mark and inspire us all. Please make a point of introducing yourself to them at some point during the meeting. Jack, as our President-Elect soon to be President, congratulations! Your passion for your work, energy and talent will serve us well. I’d wish you luck, but you won’t need it. The GAP ship is steered by the Committee Chairs, and the Publications Board, and Frances, just enjoy the ride at the Helm. It is sure to be something special! It has been my great honor to serve as President the past 2 years. Thank you all for your support and dedication to our GAP. Sincerely,
Dave Baron