Committee of Residents and Fellows
The Committee of Residents and Fellows grew out of a realization that a standing committee, composed of residents would be instrumental in: (1) bringing information back to residents; (2) facilitating resident participation in the APA, both locally and nationally; and (3) contributing as APA members-in-training, in understanding the structure of the Association and the profound effect it has on the field of psychiatry. With these functions in mind, the Committee of Residents was established in 1971, and in December, 1989 changed its name to the Committee of Residents and Fellows. The Committee is composed of seven members, each appointed by the APA President to serve a three-year term, and each representing a geographical area of the U.S. and Canada.
Since 1971, the Committee has represented resident opinions and issues within the Association, established effective and meaningful liaisons with many components of the APA, as well as with many other organizations that are involved in training and the profession.
The Committee works to (a) increase recruitment and retention of residents and medical students as APA members; (b) develop a means of assisting psychiatry residents with career planning and in clarifying professional identity issues in the field; (c) participate in efforts and activities to ensure quality control in residency training; (d) support efforts to assist impaired residents in becoming aware of economic and interprofessional issues affecting the field of psychiatry.
Caroline Cope, Division of Education [703-907-8663; ccope@psych.org.]