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Why
Should You Be a Member of AAAP?
WHY
JOIN AAAP?
With our growing number of responsibilities and activities, as addiction
professionals it is sometimes hard to make a decision on what is the right
organization for us. We are continually having to struggle to stay informed of
current office practices, treatment models and research findings. I have been
faced with the same decision that now faces you. What organization should I
join? That is why I want to take this opportunity to share the reasons why I
questioned what organization to join and why I decided AAAP was the best
organization for me.
Peggy
S. Stephens, MD, Member-at-Large
I
DON'T HAVE TIME TO PARTICIPATE!
The good thing about AAAP is that you can choose how much time you want to spend
on Academy activities. Whether you want to be an active participant or an
observer from the sidelines, you will still be enjoying the benefits of AAAP.
Members who wish to be active are given the opportunity to join
committees or get involved at the local level through area activities. Members
are encouraged to offer their insight into research, education, treatment and
public policy issues. Members are also given discounts to attend our Annual
Meeting and Symposium or our Review Course on Addiction Psychiatry. Both of
these meetings offer opportunities for networking and keeping you updated on the
latest information in the field of addiction psychiatry.
If you don't have the time to be involved in those Academy
activities, don't worry! For the past two years, the Academy has mailed a
complete Proceedings of the Annual Meeting and Symposium to each member to make
sure you don't miss out on any of the latest information. Not only that, but
each quarter you'll receive an issue of The American
Journal on Addictions filled with the latest research
findings. The easy to read table of contents gives you the flexibility to read
only those articles that will be of best value for you and your time. And if you
can't participate in committees or area activities, just look in your mail box
for your quarterly issue of AAAP News to keep you updated on Academy activities,
national, state and local news.
And, don't forget that the Academy is continually working to
educate policy makers and the community on issues affecting our profession.
IT
COSTS TOO MUCH MONEY!
It's true it does cost money. AAAP actively seeks ways to achieve protections
and benefits for patients. Members can take part in this effort directly, or
know that their membership dollars support AAAP leadership in doing so. I found
AAAP to be more economical than many other similar organizations. After looking
at where my membership dollars go, I know that this money is an investment. An
investment in my professional relationships, in my increased knowledge in
treating patients and in keeping up with current research findings.
My membership dollars offer me many opportunities for networking
with colleagues. Those dollars also provide me with the latest research findings
in The American Journal on
Addictions, and they keep me updated on local, state
and national news in the AAAP News.
My membership dollars also support the work AAAP does to help
educate policy makers and the community on issues affecting the field of
addiction psychiatry.
I'M
ALREADY A MEMBER OF ANOTHER ORGANIZATION!
Today, there are so many organizations you can join. Ones that specialize in
addictions, psychiatry or other health professions. But none of them integrate
all of these together. Why not join an organization that was tailored to fit
your specialty? No one knows better than the Academy the day-to-day dilemmas you
face in treating addiction patients.
I
DON'T LIKE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS POLICIES!
Not everyone can agree on every policy. But by being a member of the Academy,
you are given the opportunity to educate members on your view of the issue and
to voice your opinion.
Every policy statement of the American Academy of Addiction
Psychiatry is presented to the Board of Directors by the Public Policy
Committee. The Public Policy Committee makes every effort to gather the views
from the membership before creating any such policies.
The Public Policy Committee is also making efforts to include
policies that are not only of interest to our U.S. members, but also our
international members. We need your help in letting us know what issues are
important to you.
I
WAS A MEMBER BEFORE AND DIDN'T BENEFIT FROM IT!
Members have spoken and the Academy has listened. We continually try to improve
services for our members. The Board of Directors is serious about moving the
Academy toward a more member-driven organization. The "Share the
Vision" groups are just the beginning!
Members can share their ideas on how the Academy should proceed and how best to
meet the mission of the Academy. Committee Chairs and Area Directors are working
to make the organization stronger and to offer more contact with local
colleagues and more educational opportunities.
The Board of Directors is also making a strong effort to offer more
benefits for our medical student, resident and international members.
MEMBER
BENEFITS
Community
AAAP is a collegial group
where it is common for the leading experts in the addiction field to interact
with students, residents and early-career psychiatrists.
The leadership of the Academy is responsive to the needs
and interests of individuals. For example, the "Share the Vision"
program encourages individual members to get involved in identifying activities
or products for the Academy to pursue.
Resources
The AAAP Annual Meeting &
Symposium, which takes place each December, features
the latest information in the field of addiction psychiatry and the chance to
meet in small, informal settings with leaders in the field.
Addiction Psychiatry Review Courses
offered by AAAP provide an excellent overview of the addiction field and are
essential in preparing for subspecialty certification in addiction psychiatry.
The American Journal on Addictions,
a leading clinical journal in addiction psychiatry, features research from
experts in the addictions field and is an outlet for researchers to share their
findings with others.
AAAP News, the official
newsletter of the Academy, features informative articles to give members the
latest news affecting the profession. The special insert in each issue is
designed as a quick reference to further enhance readers? knowledge on a special
subject chosen for each issue.
The
AAAP Web site offers a central resource for members to stay informed
about the activities of AAAP.
The AAAP Book Service helps market members?
publications and offers the latest addiction titles to members. It also provides
tapes and Review Course materials.
AAAP's Membership Coordinator knows
that members are our first priority, and she is available to help you with
questions or requests. You can call her directly at 202-393-4484.
WHAT
IS AAAP?
AAAP
is a professional membership organization founded in 1985 with approximately
1,000 members in the United States and around the world. The membership consists
of psychiatrists who work with addiction in their practices, faculty at various
academic institutions, non-psychiatrist professionals who are making a
contribution to the field of addiction psychiatry, residents and medical
students.
AAAP's Mission Statement
To promote accessibility to highest quality treatment for all who
need it
To promote excellence in clinical practice in addiction psychiatry
To educate the public and influence public policy regarding addictive illness
To provide continuing education for addiction professionals
To disseminate new information in the field of addiction psychiatry
To encourage research on the etiology, prevention, identification and treatment
of the addictions
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