The APA Lifers are seeking new members. The Lifers consist of APA members who have achieved life member, life fellow, or distinguished life fellow status. The dues are $50 a year and provide member benefits that include events at APA's annual meeting in May, a chance to have their voices heard by the APA leadership, representation at the APA Assembly, the opportunity to volunteer at the Lifers display at the annual meeting, and receive LifersLine, the newsletter of the Lifers, according to Bernard Katz, M.D., a member of the Lifers Executive Committee.

The Lifers' events at APA's annual meetings include the Business Meeting/Educational Forum on Tuesday morning and a workshop. (The submission for the workshop for APA's 2010 annual meeting in May is titled "From Narrative and Theory to Evidence-Based Support for Psychiatrists Working Under Extreme Stress.") The Lifers reception, at which the Harold E. Berson, M.D., Lifers Award is presented, completes the day.

"Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of joining the Lifers," said Katz, "is an opportunity to stay relevant within the profession, to share ideas with many APA leaders from the recent and distant past, and to bring our collective wisdom to the organization, particularly during troubled times. The current APA leadership does take our counsel seriously and welcomes our input. We are looking to all eligible members to come and join us. You will be glad you did. The dues are minimal, and you'll find the Lifers group is an energetic and stimulating way to stay connected."

Sheila Hafter Gray, M.D., is the president of the Lifers. In addition to Gray and Katz, the members of the Lifers Executive Committee are Edward Hanin, M.D., Maria Lymberis, M.D., Paul Wick, M.D., Stephen Scheiber, M.D., Pierre Loebel, M.D., Captane Thomson, M.D., Philip Margolis, M.D., Arthur Meyerson, M.D., Norman Clemens, M.D., Bert Warren, M.D., and Herb Peyser, M.D.

Members of the Executive Committee would be pleased to hear from other Lifers with ideas of projects, programs, and ways that the Lifers can continue to be of assistance to and impact APA.

Membership information is available from Captane Thomson, M.D., at cpthomson@comcast.net or (530) 753-7223.