Message from the PaPS President
by Kavita Fischer, MD, DFAPA
President, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society
Dear Members,
This month, as part of Area 3, our elected Assembly Representatives, Caucus Leaders, and their designated proxies will convene outside Washington, D.C. to actively participate in the governance and policy-making processes of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
You may be wondering—what is the APA Assembly? The APA Assembly is composed of seven councils, each representing a distinct region. The Area Councils serve as a vital link between the APA Assembly and the District Branches, providing a regional structure that supports collaboration and communication. (Map of APA Assembly Areas and District Branches). Our District Branch belongs to Area 3, which encompasses the Middle Atlantic region, including the Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Psychiatric Societies. We are proud to have Dr. Mary Anne Albaugh serving as Deputy Representative for Area 3 along with Dr. Constance Dunlap who is the Area 3 Representative.
Assembly Representatives play a critical role in shaping APA policy. They deliberate and review Action Papers and Position statements which in turn guide policy and advocacy for the APA Board of Trustees. Our District Branch remains committed to advancing the science and practice of psychiatry, upholding high professional and administrative standards, and supporting the broader mission of the APA.
Please stay tuned for updates from our Assembly representatives in upcoming newsletters.
In the meantime, as we enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, insight, and collaboration continue to shape our District Branch into a vibrant and evolving force. Whether through active participation in committees, engagement in events, continued membership, PAC support, or simply the everyday dedication you show in supporting your colleagues and patients, your contributions are sincerely valued and deeply appreciated by the society.
Kavita Fischer MD, DFAPA
President, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society