The APA recently conducted a survey of the membership, both online and also directly with attendees at the recent Annual Meeting, in May 2007. The purpose of the survey was to better understand the needs of the membership, and how the APA may better serve its members. The response to both surveys was poor.

 To this end, GLIPS, with the initiative under the direction of Dr. Michael Schwartz (GLIPS Board Member, Public Affairs Representative, and Assembly Representative), applied for a grant from the APA, to conduct our own survey of our members, in order to understand their needs and how their organization may better serve them. Dr. Schwartz identified the Focus Group as the vehicle to conduct our survey, and the APA approved funding for the grant.

 The Focus Groups will consist of informal dinner meetings in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, with 8-10 psychiatrists, members and non-members, men and women, early career psychiatrists, seasoned clinicians, private practitioners, academic psychiatrists, and those in the public sector. Topics discussed will include: degree of participation in APA activities (local and national level); use of APA benefits; collegial interaction between members; and, most important, how the APA can enhance their professional life. The discussions will be recorded and analyzed in order to generate information to make recommendations to the APA.

 We feel that the informal setting in the atmosphere of dinner will offer an honest, constructive, and critical appraisal of the function of our professional organization, and ways to improve its function. Anyone interested in participating in a Focus Group, please contact Jackie Cast, Dr. Schwartz, or myself.

 GLIPS activities during the current academic year have included a successful seminar at Nassau University Medical Center, entitled Private Practice 101, addressing issues in beginning and closing a practice, legal issues, and financial investments. There was much interest in further seminars on legal matters affecting one’s practice. The Women’s Group and Child Study Group continue to meet on a regular basis. Anyone interested in participating, please notify the GLIPS office. The District Branch also needs a Public Affairs Representative and Legislative Representative. Anyone interested should please contact Jackie Cast at the GLIPS office (732-408-9650 email: lipsychiatric@aol.com).