By Ali Farooqui, MD

Chair, Scientific Research Committee

At the conclusion of the KPMA annual meeting on March 10, I was left with a deep feeling of gratitude, accomplishment, and pride. We held the meeting at a new venue to attract psychiatrists from multiple areas of the Commonwealth. The enthusiasm and dedication of our presenters and panelists was palpable. Our presenters volunteered their time to educate our membership on the topics of eating disorders, pharmacology, ADHD, neurodivergence, cannabis, and covid-19. In addition to invaluable knowledge that was shared, we were able to reconnect with our colleagues from across the state and experience camaraderie and fellowship. I am grateful for the selfless service of our presenters and panelists, and for the participation and attendance of our members.

I am particularly grateful for the hard work and dedication of Dr. Mark Wright, the outgoing chairperson of the scientific committee. His leadership and guidance is irreplicable, and I hope to rely on his advice, mentorship, and guidance as the incoming chair.

The landscape of mental health care is rapidly evolving in both press and practice. Psychiatric disorders are becoming a topic of discussion nationwide, and interest in novel psychiatric therapies is gaining momentum. As we look into the future, I hope to humbly follow in the footsteps of my predecessor and provide the psychiatrists of Kentucky an avenue for sharing opinions and ideas, and a platform for education on mental health issues that are relevant and of interest to the practicing psychiatrist.

We could not have held this meeting without the tireless efforts of our executive director, Miranda Sloan, who was the glue that held us together and navigated the schedules of our busy physicians. Thank you to our president Dr. Suleman, the scientific committee, and the executive council, for their leadership and dedication to organized psychiatry. I would also like to personally thank each member of KPMA for trusting us with your time, and for your continued involvement in our meeting. I look forward to being of service to you all as we move toward planning our next scientific meeting in 2024.

Sincerely,

Ali A. Farooqui, MD