APA Blogs
26 Results
“CURED” Documentary: What It’s Like to Participate in a Chronicle of Psychiatry’s Past
- By Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., FRCP-E, FRCPsych
At the 1972 APA Annual Meeting, in Dallas, Texas, a psychiatrist identified only as “Dr. H. Anonymous,” who had been stigmatized and lost his job because of his sexual orientation, offered a masked protest during a session devoted to psychiatry’s relationship with homosexuality. Joined on the panel (chaired by Judd Marmor, M.D.) by the organizer/activists Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny, the psychiatrist was later revealed to be Dr. John Fryer. This event that was a watershed moment both for psychiatry and the LGBTQ community, and eventually led to the removal of homosexuality from the DSM in 1973.
Supporting International Medical Graduates is Crucial for Mental Health Care in America
- By Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., FRCP-E, FRCPsych
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play a huge part as we work to address care gaps, weather the effects of the pandemic, and achieve greater health equity in the United States. They are often the unsung heroes of psychiatry, many working to fill in shortages in underserved and rural areas, while meeting their waiver requirements before applying for permanent resident status.
Observing Juneteenth and Supporting Mental Health Equity
This weekend, we acknowledge and observe Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the day that the end of slavery was announced in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth has been celebrated by the Black community since the late 1800s. Now, pending President Biden’s signature, expected this afternoon, it will be a federal holiday in recognition of the end of the dark chapter of human slavery in America, and the start of the long march towards equality for the Black community.
Run, Walk, or Roll July 10 at the MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K to Raise Awareness and Support for BIPOC Youth Mental Health
APA’s inaugural MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run/Walk/Roll will be held Saturday, July 10, and I urge you to get involved. This fun, virtual event is a terrific way to bring awareness to and address mental health inequities facing Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) youth. It also honors unwavering mental health equity advocate Bebe Moore Campbell.
On the Conviction of the Murderer of George Floyd, What Is Next?
We all experienced a range of emotions on Wednesday as Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three charges in George Floyd’s death: relief that justice was served in this case, and sadness for Mr. Floyd’s family. All our thoughts remain with Mr. Floyd’s family who are forever changed by his loss.