Electronic Winter 2026 | Issue 65

President’s Message

By: Adrienne Adams, MD, MS

Greetings to the members of IPS! As we enter this winter season, I would like to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to our dedicated committees, council, executive board, members, and especially to Kristen, Meghan, and Mark, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in making 2025 a resounding success. This fall has been particularly dynamic as we've continued our work in advocacy, community outreach, education, membership engagement, and legislative initiatives.

Highlights from Fall 2025 Include:

2025 Annual Meeting: "Resilience, Renewal, and Revitalization: Cultivating Well-Being During Times of Change," which provided an invaluable platform for discussion. We were honored to feature esteemed speakers such as Wendi Willis El-Amin, MD, who enlightened us on social determinants of resilience; Carol A. Bernstein, MD, who discussed the critical aspect of physician wellness in today’s challenging environment; and Lisa Van Susteren, MD, who shed light on the complex relationship between climate change and mental health.

Second Annual Downstate Event: This year's gathering in Springfield was a wonderful success, allowing our members to connect in person, fostering relationships that are often harder to build in virtual settings.

Women’s Psychiatric Leadership Brunch: A unique opportunity for members to hear from Dr. Joan Anzia, a past president of IPS and a pioneer of the women’s committee. Her motivational talk about navigating and excelling in psychiatric careers inspired many attendees to pursue their aspirations with renewed vigor.

Advocacy at the Congressional Level: As president of IPS, I had the distinguished honor of being invited by Representative Danny Davis to represent our association at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Legislative Conference. There, I shared insights on the critical intersection of mental health and criminal justice reform, advocating for equitable treatment and innovative care models like Collaborative Care. This work is essential as we aim to expand mental health access in areas facing resource limitations.

Looking ahead to 2026, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the year ahead. Our virtual series, titled "Navigating Your Career Path: Considerations for a Lifelong Career in Psychiatry" will kick off various educational initiatives, alongside our informal Resident/ECP fireside chats designed to foster community among early career psychiatrists and trainees. The Membership Committee is diligently working to inspire and invigorate our member base, while the Health Equity Anti-Racism Committee will host a virtual career forum aimed at high school students interested in mental health fields. We will also host a networking brunch for members at all stages of their careers to cultivate valuable connections. Additionally, our annual meeting on October 3, 2026 will showcase a theme centered on "The Elephant in the Waiting Room: Confronting Today's Psychiatric Challenges" promising to be both enlightening and empowering.

Please remember that IPS is always here to support you. I would be delighted to meet with any psychiatry department or physician group throughout the year to discuss IPS initiatives, provide mentorship opportunities for our early-career psychiatrists and trainees and encourage all members in their journey.

In the spirit of giving, I am proud to announce that this year's presidential charity is Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Established in 1887, this remarkable organization has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive support and services to children and families, helping them to forge brighter futures. I encourage everyone to consider volunteering their time or contributing financially to this worthy cause, as we work together to uplift our youth and promote their success.

As we embrace the joyful spirit of the holiday season, I wish everyone a Happy Holiday filled with love, laughter, and safety while we transition into a new year. Let us also embrace my guiding mantra for 2025-26: W—Well-being, A—Advocacy, R—Resilience. Together, we can cultivate these values for our collective journey forward!

Warm regards,

Adrienne Adams, MD, MS 
Your President