This issue of Psychiatric News is your invitation to participate in APA’s 2000 annual meeting in Chicago. To help you plan your stay at the meeting, this issue contains preliminary information on the scientific program and Chicago’s numerous cultural, educational, and culinary attractions.

APA’s annual meeting remains the premier meeting for psychiatrists not only throughout the United States but increasingly throughout the world. It represents far more than an opportunity to earn up to 66 CME credits; it links psychiatrists in all practice settings, academia, and research.

"APA’s annual meeting is probably the only opportunity that most psychiatrists have to accomplish many goals in one setting: to learn the latest research findings in their field; to learn how these findings can enhance their clinical practice; to meet with friends and colleagues from every corner of the United States and Canada—perhaps even the world; and help address the challenges that are facing the field at the start of a new millennium," said Pedro Ruiz, M.D., chair of APA’s Scientific Program Committee.

Moreover, the location for this year’s meeting gives members a chance to enjoy a world-class city with a wide diversity of historic and cultural attractions, critically celebrated restaurants, and inviting surroundings.

The theme of this year’s meeting is "The Doctor-Patient Relationship," chosen by APA President Allan Tasman, M.D. As a former chair of the Scientific Program Committee, Tasman has played an especially key role in planning this year’s meeting, and APA members will see his professional interests and concerns reflected throughout the program. Of particular note is the Presidential Symposium, which will be held Monday, May 15, at 2 p.m. in room S404D, level 4, McCormick Place South. It is titled "Perspectives on the Doctor-Patient Relationship," and in addition to Tasman the participants include Michelle Riba, M.D., Kenneth R. Silk, M.D., and Juan E. Mezzich, M.D., and Paul Appelbaum, M.D.

One innovative aspect of this year’s meeting is a special series of sessions developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (also, sessions are noted in the preliminary program in this issue). The series, whose theme is "Alcohol Research: Achievements and Promise," will feature nearly 15 sessions designed to bring the latest research findings in this field to practicing psychiatrists.

In addition, immediate past President Rodrigo Muñoz, M.D., is planning to conduct a major forum on substance abuse. He will be leading the forum "Substance Abuse: An International Perspective" on Thursday, May 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The participants will present new information on medical strategies and government policy pertaining to addictive drugs in the Americas. If illegal drug use and drug addiction are going to be reduced significantly, Muñoz believes, an intense cooperation among psychiatrists, government officials, and international policymakers is needed, along with a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cocaine and heroin.

A special focus this year is on the professional needs of early career psychiatrists. On Monday morning, May 15, the APA Committee of Early Career Psychiatrists and Assembly Committee of Early Career Psychiatrists are sponsoring a two-part workshop titled "How to Launch a Successful Private Practice." The first part will be held at 9 a.m., the second at 11 a.m., with a half-hour break in between. Those who can’t make the morning sessions may want to attend the symposium of the same name at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, sponsored by the APA Committee of Early Career Psychiatrists.

APA’s Committee of Asian-American Psychiatrists will sponsor the workshop "Career Lessons for Asian-American Early Career Psychiatrists" on Monday at 9 a.m. On Tuesday at 9 a.m., the two early career components are sponsoring the workshop "ABPN Examiners and ABPN Examinees." And finally, early career psychiatrists interested in conducting research may want to attend the symposium "NIAAA/NIDA/NIMH Grants and Career Development" on Wednesday, May 17, at 2 p.m.

APA members preparing for their ABPN Part II exam will want to register immediately for a new full-day course cosponsored by APA and McLean Hospital. This course, which will be held May 13, will closely follow the format of the oral examination. For more information on the course and how to register, see the article on page 50.

Ruiz is particularly pleased to announce that former Senator George McGovern is the recipient of this year’s APA Patient Advocacy Award. He will present a lecture on Tuesday, May 16, at 11 a.m. For more information, see page 47.

The Task Force on Local Arrangements is cochaired this year by Nada Stotland, M.D., and Martin Fine, M.D. The group has put together an enticing schedule of activities and local tours for meeting goers and their guests, some of which are highlighted on page 27. Fine offers up some of his choice restaurant picks in the article on page 26.

"Fortunately—or unfortunately—there is much to see and do in a short period of time in Chicago," said Ruiz. "You may want to come early or leave late to take full advantage of all that Chicago has to offer."