APA to Mark Its 175th Anniversary at a Celebration for the Ages

When 13 physicians met in a hotel in Philadelphia in 1844 and formed the first national medical society, the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane, their work focused on the care of patients in psychiatric hospitals. Recognizing their patients’ humanity, they wanted to help each other improve psychiatric care and do away with therapies that were more incarceration than treatment.

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Their work hastened the evolution of psychiatric care, and today members of the organization now known as the American Psychiatric Association stand nearly 38,000 strong in improving the lives of people with mental illness. In APA’s 175 years, its members have led the way in developing a wide range of effective somatic, psychotherapeutic, and psychopharmacological treatments; developing diagnostic standards and practice guidelines used throughout the world; expanding psychiatric education at all training and career levels; publishing books and journals that serve as the backbone of psychiatric literature and reference; advocating for the profession and its patients—these all add up to being able to provide high-quality care that enables people with mental illness to live their best lives.

To commemorate 175 years of leadership in psychiatry, APA will host a 175th Anniversary Gala at San Francisco City Hall on Monday, May 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“As the nation’s oldest medical society, APA has a long and rich history of moving psychiatric care forward. Let us take a moment to come together as colleagues and friends to celebrate the success we’ve had so far, success that we can build on as we continue our vital work on behalf of people with mental illness and the psychiatrists who provide their care,” said Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., APA’s CEO and medical director.

“We have an exciting opportunity to learn more about our history at this year’s Annual Meeting,” said APA President Altha Stewart, M.D. “Understanding and facing our past can help us shape an enlightened future in which we can overcome the social barriers that negatively impact mental health as well as bring better, more targeted care to more people.”

Proceeds from the gala will support APA’s philanthropic arm, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), whose work includes education programs, research and clinical training, leading partnerships to address public challenges in mental health, and maintaining the Melvin Sabshin, M.D., Library and Archives.

The 175th Anniversary Gala will differ from prior Annual Meeting events benefiting the Foundation, said APAF Executive Director Daniel Gillison Jr.

“The gala will be a festive occasion for both the most tenured and the newest of members, with entertainment, dancing, and fellowship. It will be an engaging, fun-filled night you don’t want to miss.” said Gillison. “Preparations began more than a year ago for the event and other ways to mark this milestone in APA’s history, including the creation of a special website that traces APA’s history and includes images of APA’s historic documents and other artifacts. We plan to launch the website before the Annual Meeting.”

Gillison noted that the awards usually given at the Foundation’s annual benefit—the Advancing Minority Mental Health Awards—will be presented at the Jeanne Spurlock, M.D., Minority Fellowship Program Achievement Award Reception on Tuesday evening, May 21.

“We don’t want these important awards and the winners we are honoring to be eclipsed by the gala events,” said Gillison. “They deserve to be part of a special celebratory event to shine a spotlight on their work.”

Coverage of the gala and award reception will be covered in a post-meeting issue of Psychiatric News. ■