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APS News

Quarterly Newsletters of the Society, edited by rotating Guest Editors, feature updates on the outreach and member activities of the Society, highlight the achievements and publications of members, provide resources relevant to psychiatry, feature original content, and inform members on community partners and issues relevant to psychiatry.
The Society shares the contributions of many to promote our goal of excellence in psychiatry, from the reshared advocacy update on physician wellness, GME funding, mental health parity, and scope of practice, to the Society representation and engagement at the APA Annual Meeting Assembly and ArMA House of Delegates and reports from the same, and a timely community update on 9-8-8 roll-out in Arizona. Further, it celebrates the graduating resident-fellow members and those advancing to fellowship from each of our three Arizona residency programs, all engaged at the 100% Club level in 2022, congratulates the annual Resident Recognition Award recipients, APA Foundation fellowship recipient for 2022-2023, and the RFM poster presentation winners from the 2022 Annual Meeting Poster Session. From the 2022 Annual Meeting, celebrating our members and fellow mental health stakeholders, we share the recipients of the Society's awards for excellence in education, career achievement, leadership, and mental health public service.In This Issue: President's Message – Stephen (Larry) Mecham, DOFrom Executive Director Morgan DiBasilioICYMI: Advocacy News – Mental Health Parity Rules Approved; APS Lobbyist Report for 2022; APA UpdatesAPA Assembly – Report from New Orleans – APA Annual Meeting Assembly 2022ARMA House of Delegates 2022 – Report from APS DelegatesAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.Celebrating Graduates and Advancement to Fellowships – UACOM Phoenix, UACOM Tucson, Creighton SOM Phoenix; APA Foundation FellowshipPoster Session Videos Available – Poster Session WinnersAd: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS)Celebrating Annual Meeting Award Recipients: Drs. Beth Darling, James McLoone, Nathan Jones, Brant Thayer, Marisa Fernandez, Gretchen Alexander, Jasleen Chhatwal, and Rep. Amish Shah, MDAd: Janssen NeuroscienceAbout 2022 Mental Health Public Service Award Recipient – Deborah Geesling, P82 Project Restoration (P82 Homes)Arizona Update on 9-8-8Events and Education: APA Course of the Month; ArMA Summer Leadership Webinar Series; Discount Available on ArMA’s Physician Leadership Course; 8-4 Addiction Psychiatry Grand Rounds; UACOM Phoenix Grand Rounds Resumes 9-9; 2022 APA Mental Health Services Conference; AzAFSP Fall Walks; IMHR Sleepless in NogalesAd: Redemption PsychiatryAd: Practice Opportunities - Private Practice Office Space Available East Tucson; Private Practice Office Space with Opportunity for Part-Time Referrals/Clinical Trials Work Phoenix AreaMembers Published:Az Psych Society Moore Mental Health Equity 5K Team and Teri Retirement Thank YouReminder: Have Your Renewed? Your Membership Matters...Thank You!
Incoming President, Dr. Stephen (Larry) Mecham, begins the new leadership year with celebration of the newly elected executive officers, introducing the incoming Executive Director, Morgan DiBasilio, and sharing an important and timely message from Dr. Chhatwal, Chair of the newly formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Society, and an invitation to support the Arizona Psychiatric Society Moore Mental Health Equity 5K fundraising team. (Photo (L-R): Celebrating APS Presidential Leadership Award presented to Representative Amish Shah, MD: Dr. Mecham, Alexis Glascock, Esq., Dr. Amish Shah, and Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal.)
In This Issue:President's Message - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MDSave the Date: APS Annual Meeting - Scientific SessionAnnual Meeting Room Discounts Available at Wild Horse Pass - Make it a StaycationICYMI: Az Psych Society Invitation to Contribute to Leadership Through Committees,Nominations Open for Career Achievement in Psychiatry and Mental Health Public Service AwardAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.Q&A Reflection on Psychiatry: Dr. James McLooneAd: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS)APS Annual Business Meeting and Nominating Slate 2022-2023Advocacy Update - AZ: AZ Lobbyist Report; 2022 Legislative Session; Mental Health Parity Rules Submitted to GRRC; Psychologists Prescribing Update; AHCCCS Telehealth Policy CommentAdvocacy Update - APA: Statement in Response to Ninth Circuit Court Overturning 2019 Wit Decision; Network Access in Medicare Advantage Plans; Advocates DEA to Maintain Public Health Emergency Waivers; Are You Being Audited by Private Payers?; Interested in CoCM?APA Assembly - A Note from Your Arizona Assembly RepresentativesAd: Janssen NeuroscienceCongratulations to Newest DF Dr. Gagandeep Singh and Newest Fellows Drs. Caroline Carney, Gregory Gale, and Paul ValbuenaInvitation to Yukari Kawamoto, MD Memorial Poster SessionEvents and Education: UACOM Tucson, SAVHCS Addiction Medicine, UACOM Phoenix Grand Rounds; APA NOLA, APA Course of the Month; NAMI AZ 2020 Annual Meeting; Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Service Associate Live Training (Free CME) in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix; ACMI's Olmstead Report and WebinarAd: Practice Opportunities - Private Practice Office Space Available East Tucson; Private Practice Office Space with Opportunity for Part-Time Referrals/Clinical Trials Work Phoenix AreaMembers Published: Drs. Aimee Kaempf, Saira Kalia, Jordan Karp, Richard Lane, Wallace Mendelson, Noshene Ranjbar, Ramsha Rao, and Karen WeihsReminder: Have Your Renewed? Your Membership Matters...Thank You!
APS President, Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MD, FAPA, and Disaster Response Chair, Nicholas Ahrendt, MD, share an announcement that the rule changes around A.R.S. Section R4-16-201.B(11) — the physician licensure confidential question inquiry — have been adopted by the Arizona Medical Board (AMB), completed all the required regulatory steps, and are now in effect. The regulations posted on the AMB website, in the current licensure application, and in the renewal licensure application reflect the new language advocated for by the Arizona Psychiatric Society (APS), the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), and twenty-two other physician associations and organizations.
In This Issue:President's Message - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MDPatricia Harrison Monroe, PhD on Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion: A (simple) QuestionAPA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Update: Meet the Director of Health EquityAPS Invitation to Contribute - DEI Committee, Leadership, Membership CommitteeAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.ICYMI: Az Psych Society Advocacy Efforts Successful in Destigmatizing Licensure Questions for AMB Application and RenewalAdvocacy Update - AZ: Advocacy Event Recap, AZ Telehealth Legislation Recognized; Mental Health Parity; 2022 Sunrise Applications Include Psychologists PrescribingAd: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS)Advocacy Update - APA: No Surprises; APA Hosts Health Equity Congressional Briefing; Displaying APA PAC BadgeAPA Assembly Notes - November 2021 from Arizona Assembly RepresentativesAd: Janssen Neuroscience (Resource: 2020 U.S. Transparency Report)Celebrating 2022 100% Clubs in AZ: Creighton/Valleywise, UACOM, Tucson, and UACOM, PhoenixEvents and Education: UACOM Tucson Grand Rounds, 2022 APSARD Annual Meeting and ADHD 101, Mayo Clinic Psychiatry in Medical Settings 2022, SMI Adviser: "Improving Behavioral Health Services for Individuals with SMI in Rural and Remote Communities"Ad: PsychConnectCME Event Report: Good Conferences Gone VIrtual, Part 2 - Brian Espinoza, MDMembers Published: Joseph Bloom, MD and Scott Kirkorsky, MD - Arizona's Insanity Defense; Joseph Bloom, MD, et al. - Competency to Stand TrialRFM: APA Fellowship Deadline, Congratulations Creighton/Valleywise on 100% Club Status!Holiday Wishes and Membership Thank You - Renew Today for 2022!
In the Summer Newsletter, Dr. Nima Jahanfarouz reflects on the impact of the pandemic to the past year and to the future and on his own journey in residency, concluding: "As recently graduated and incoming residents begin their new journey, I hope they feel pride in being part of a community that has sacrificed so much for the betterment of our patients. As I start my third year of residency with plans to apply to child and adolescent psychiatry, I feel nothing but excitement and joy to be part of this community for the rest of my career."
shares the awards, poster winners, and recognitions of the 2021 Annual Meeting, celebrates the incoming psychiatric residents and congratulations and celebrates the residency and fellowshipg graduates for 2021, and providers our members with updates on advocacy and other timely issues, as detailed in the following: Guest Newsletter Editorial Welcome - Nima Jahanforouz, DOPresident's Message - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MDCongratulations: James B. McLoone, MD, DLFAPA Howard E. Wulsin Excellence in Education Award RecipientAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.Introducing 2021-2022 Executive Officers; Invitation to Committee Service or Future NominationThank You - 2021 Annual Meeting Attendees; Exhibitors; Recordings AvailableICYMI: Media Training Recording AvailableICYMI Now Available On-Demand (CME Available): "How to Get Help for Your Patient Who Doesn’t Want it: Process and Law of Involuntary Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment in Arizona"Ad: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS) and Downloadable Contingency Planning Tool2021 Legislative Report from APS Lobbyist Alexis Glascock, Esq.Disaster Response: Update on Physician Licensure Question AdvocacyMental Health Public Service Award Presented to Joseph F. Abate, Esq.A Report from the APA Assembly from Arizona Assembly RepresentativesPresidential Leadership Award - Dr. Nicholas AhrendtOutstanding Resident Recognition - Drs. Maya Heck, Nathan Jones, and Ramsha RaoCongratulations to 2021 Residency and Fellowship GraduatesCongratulations to Poster Winners (Presentation Recordings Available)Ad: Janssen Neuroscience (Resource: Summary of the Journey of Adult Patients with Schizophrenia)Ad: Office Space and Job Opportunities Posted from Our MembersA Report from the Arizona Medical Association House of DelegatesEvents: APA July Course "Seeing Through the Smoke: Medicolegal Implications of Medical Marijuana"; APA Summer Courses; ArMA Addressing Stigma 7-28; David's Hope 8-11Good Conferences Gone Viral: A Reflection from Newsletter Education Contributor Dr. EspinozaMembers Published: Dr. Bloom, Correction re Dr. RanjbarSenior Psychiatrists Lessons Learned: Event Recordings Available; Invitation to JoinFollow @ AzPsych on Social Media: Welcome Residents Reshare
In the Spring Newsletter, Dr. Nicholas Ahrendt reports on outreach to the Arizona Medical Board and the sign-on by 24 physician organizations to comment promoting destigmatizing physicians seeking mental health care.
celebrates our members and their accomplishments with updates on timely issues, as detailed in the following: President's Message - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MD (A Reflection: "Are We There Yet?"Save the Date - May 22, 2021: Arizona Psychiatric Society Annual Meeting (Live Virtual)Meet Fellow APS Member: John Racy, MD: Warmth & WisdomAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.Call for Nominations: 2021 Career Achievement in Psychiatry AwardWhat Would You Do? March 31, 2021 Virtual Risk Management Webinar (Free CME)Ad: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS) and Resources on Complying with Regulation on Information Blocking under the Cures Act (April 5, 2021 Deadline)From Disaster Response: Report on Licensure and Destigmatizing Physicians Seeking CareVirtual Doctor's LoungeAd: Janssen Neuroscience - Summary of the Journey of Adult Patients with SchizophreniaCelebrating 100% Club Residency Programs: UACOM Phoenix and UACOM TucsonCall for Abstracts: Invitation to Virtual Poster Present at the 2021 Annual Meeting For ECP and RFM Members: Free Leadership TrainingAdvocacy Updates: Parity Rulemaking Update; APA Advocacy Alert; 2021 Legislative Session Report from APS Lobbyist Help Fight for Better Reimbursement: Complete this Survey Celebrating Newest Arizona Distinguished Fellow: Margaret E. Balfour, MD, PhD, DFAPAEvents: 2-Part Cannabis CME; Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat; Ask an App Advisor; Grand RoundsMembers Published: Drs. Bloom, Karp, Kirkorsky, Lane, Ranjbar, and WeihsDavid's Hope: Dr. Carol Olson Mental Health Criminal Justice Collaboration Award SpeechFollow @ AzPsych on Social Media: Black History Month Post ReshareReminder: Renew by March 31st to Continue Membership
Dr. Chhatwal, President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, contributes a message for finding joy in the holiday season.
provides updates on physician and health care provider resources and mental health support and peer coaching (including the Virtual Doctor's Lounge program) through COVID-19, vaccination protocols and promoting awareness, events, reports, and updates on timely issues, as detailed in the following: President's Message - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MDMembership Renewal Due December 31stThanking Exhibitors; Exhibitor Drawing WinnersAd: American Professional Agency, Inc.Ad: Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS)Ad: Janssen NeuroscienceOther 2020 Exhibitors: Sierra Tucson, Banner Behavioral Health, Cottonwood TucsonThank You For Responding to Risk Management Education Survey--Events To Come 2021Register Today: "How To Get Help For Your Patient Who Doesn't Want It"A Note From Disaster Response: Encouraging Physicians to Seek SupportUpdates and Resources on Vaccination from the Arizona Medical Association; #VaxUpAZAZ Integrative, Geriatric, and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowships - Invitation to ApplyRFM Opportunities: APA and APAF Fellowship Applications OpenPrivate Practice Opportunity inTucsonAPA Assembly: Reports from November APA Assembly; Anti-Racism Task Force Update; Free CME on Racial DisparitiesAdvocacy Updates: Arizona Parity News; APA Information Blocking Webinar RecordingAddressing Opioid Epidemic: Invitation to AMNet: Addiction Medicine Practice-Based Research Network (Intro Session 12-18)Events: Phoenix Friends of C. G. Jung SeriesInviting Members to Contribute to Leadership; Submit Self-Interest FormAPA Election Spotlight: Meet the Candidates for APA Secretary; Link to Voting InfoIn Memorial 2019-2020
Maya Heck, MD, Guest Editor, at the Rim of the Grand Canyon
celebrates the 2020 Annual Meeting and provides other timely updates on the advocacy and work of Society members and the community. In this issue are the following: Guest Editor Welcome - Maya Heck, MDIncoming President's Message and Invitation - Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MDJob Posting - Psychiatrist: Cope Community Services (Advertisement)2020 Annual Meeting - In Case You Missed It (Recordings Available)Forensic Asylum Evaluation Training (Free/Space Limited to First 100)Thanking Exhibitors and $50 Drawing - A Click Away Member Survey on Risk Management Education--Tell Us Your Priority Needs2020 Awards: Celebrating Excellence in PsychiatryYukari Kawamoto, MD Memorial Poster Session ResultsIntegrative Psychiatry Fellowship - Invitation to ApplyPeers Published: Dr. Jordan Karp, Dr. Wallace MendelsohnDismantling Racism and Health Disparities EventsVirtual Doctor's Lounge - Free Peer Support for PhysiciansAdvocacy Updates: No on 207, Protecting Veterans, Phase 3 Provider Relief, and MoreArizona Events: Grand Rounds, Billing for Telehealth in 2020 & Beyond; Handling COVID Stress During This Holiday Season; AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk; Frames of Mind Film Event; Symposium on Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body, and Related DementiasManaging Election Stress--Be Sure TO VOTE2019-2020 Executive Officers; Presidential Service Award to Dr. Don Fowls2020-2021 Executive Officers
Gurjot Marwah, MD, Guest Edtior, with Martin Kassell, MD
celebrates the work, accomplishments, and resiliency of our 2020 residency program and fellowship program graduates and the connection that comes from membership and mentoring as modeled by Dr. Martin Kassell and reflected upon by Guest Editor, Dr. Gurjot Marwah. Arizona Psychiatric Society President Dr. Don Fowls shares an overview of the exciting Agenda ahead for the October 2-3, 2020 Annual Meeting and invites all to attend and contribute their voice to psychiatry. There are timely updates on parity, peers recently published, job board postings and practice opportunities in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson; news from our sponsors, report from the Women's Tea and article on women's mental health (flexibility and resilience) from Dr. Patricia Westmoreland of the Colorado Psychiatric Society, video from acceptance of the Arizona Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient Banner-University Medicine Whole Health Clinic, and a call to contribute to opioid education planning and social media outreach. Great congratulations to our graduating residents and fellows and welcome to the practice of psychiatry!
Maya Heck, MD, Guest Edtior
is built around the topic of integrative psychiatry and includes: Guest Editor introduction to the importance of whole health strategies in psychiatry from Dr. Maya Heck; collaborative article on "Providing Holistic Care that Meets Patient Needs and Educating Next-Generation Psychiatrists," from the Banner University of Arizona Integrative Psychiatry Clinic authors Dr. Sneha Venkatraman, Dr. Noshene Ranjbar, and Dr. Amelia Villagomez; member profile from Dr. Meeta Mehta, integrative psychiatry fellow for the 2020-2021 program year; celebrating the election of Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal to the position of ECP Representative to the APA Assembly; COVID-19 mental health resources and updates, including introduction of the collaborative Behavioral Health Arizona YouTube resources promoting self-care and mental health awareness and de-stigmatization to the public; highlighting 2-1-1 and Crisis Response Network resources; APA Advocacy and action alert; updates to the APA COVID-19 Information Hub; the legislative summary for the Arizona legislature spring session, detailing legislation supported by APS and including information on Jake's Law, COVID-19 responses and Executive Orders, and plans for special session; Report from the APA Annual Meeting Assembly; update on the ArMA House of Delegates and the Society's mental health parity resolution; Step Up Arizona update and June coalition meeting information; Peers published series on culture, trauma, diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychiatry from Drs. Moreno, Ranjbar, and Chhatwal, et al.; information on available CME and upcoming MHA of Arizona SEEDS Conference; and update on the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Society moved to October 3, 2020 virtual platform, together with resources and updates from premium annual sponsors.
As reported in Psychiatric News, the Arizona Psychiatric Society, through advocacy, education, and outreach, supported a successful omnibus bill that not only requires insurers in the state to comply with the federal mental health parity law, but also improves data collection and expands access to mental health care for children.
The legislation, known as Jake’s Law, addresses a critical need for mental health care in Arizona.
Yazhini Srivasthal, MD, Guest Editor
features suicide prevention with a Guest Editor insight from Dr. Yazhini Srivasthsal on physician suicide and Arizona Governor's initiative for suicide prevention and community spotlights on parent-formed advocacy nonprofits The JEM Foundation, advocating for access to care through commercial insurance parity, and Kid in the Corner, working to break the barriers of stigma and combat social isolation in teens; also included, Member Dr. Gagandeep Singh shares his journey through medical college, training, and practice, his philosophy on psychiatry and value-based care; a tribute article honoring the life of Dr. Yukari Kawamoto is penned by Dr. Lexi Erickson, and the 2020 Poster Session is named in honor of Dr. Kawamoto; Mental Health America Arizona shares their special edition Newsletter (Deeper Dive on Parity); members are invited to self-nominate or express interest in Committee service and are called to submit an abstract for the 2020 Annual Meeting; timely information, including November Assembly Report, upcoming CME and local events, including the 2020 NAMI Arizona Annual Meeting; and Dr. Reesal concludes his ECP Lifestyle series with a segment on beating loneliness and staying connected.