Insights and Experiences from a PGY-4 Psychiatry Resident's Memorable Trip to NYC: Guest Blog

As part of PRMS’ ongoing commitment to behavioral health, we invited Dr. Avani Patel, MHA, PGY-4 Psychiatry Resident in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, to be featured as a guest blogger this month. Dr. Patel reflects on her experience attending the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting in New York City this May.

Dr. Avani Patel

Memorable Experiences from the Psychiatry Conference in New York City

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting in New York City was truly one to remember. I was fortunate to be selected to take over APA’s social media for a day, so I was able to document all the fun! We began opening session with plenary speaker, Anderson Cooper, whom I met backstage. Later that evening, the hustle and bustle began, with the onset of receptions, networking, and visiting with colleagues, mentors, and friends. I knew this meeting would serve as a special one for me, as it was my final annual meeting as Chair of the APA and APA Foundation (APAF) Leadership Fellowship and as a member of the APA Board of Trustees.

On Sunday morning, I had back-to-back general sessions of my own. In the first one, “Connection, Creativity, & Collapse: Mental Health & Problematic Social Media Use,” the panel and I discussed how social media has become a vehicle for disseminating information and creating connections. With emerging concern over the problematic use of social media and its association with worsening mental health and suicidality, particularly in the adolescent population, a report was released in 2023 by the U.S. Surgeon General to address the issue. While there are known risks of social media, there is also evidence supporting its benefits. Each presenter targeted a specific area of problematic social media use, including risks and benefits, diagnostic and neurodevelopmental considerations, and tangible approaches to screen and counsel patients.

Dr. Patel with Dr. Mark Ladner

Professional Development and Networking at the Psychiatry Conference

For my second session, “Psychiatrists in the Public: Professional Development with Social Media Use,” the panel and I discussed how social media can be an important tool for psychiatrists, as it has become a vehicle for disseminating information and creating connections with mental health and medical communities. Each presenter targeted a specific area on how to utilize social media as a psychiatrist—namely, creating a personal brand, exercises related to developing a professional profile, building a network of peers, enhancing public health through advocacy and policy, and accessing current evidence-based resources in the field of psychiatry via social media platforms. This session provided tangible approaches through an example on substance use disorders, practical tips, and engaging exercises to begin the journey of social media presence.

Then I was off to the races to a commercial insurance forum for residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists, and even made an appearance to the council I serve on—the APA Council on Communications. My next stop was my final APA Board of Trustees meeting, and it was truly an exciting time to see the transition and thank everyone for the opportunity to contribute to our organization.

Finally, I stopped by one of my favorite receptions, hands down, every year —the PRMS and Southern Psychiatric Association annual reception. It is always so wonderful to enjoy a beautiful venue, fun photo booth, delicious food, and the company of colleagues throughout my region. There, Mississippi Psychiatric Association and Jackson Free Clinic were selected as a runner up for the PRMS Partners in the Community grant. Thank you, PRMS!

Dr. Beatrice Huang and Dr. Patel

Mental Health Campaigns and Social Media Strategies for Psychiatrists

On Monday, I was going for round two with back-to-back sessions. I started with the “Mental Health Care Works Campaign: You Make the Call” update with other esteemed panel members including but not limited to the APA incoming President, APA President Elect, APA CEO and Medical Director, APAF Board Member, APAF Executive Director, and more. We focused on lived experiences and supporting our nationwide, multi-year, multi-media campaign to raise awareness, influence behaviors, and change attitudes surrounding mental health care. The expert panel discussed promising practices to raise awareness about common mental health concerns, encourage struggling individuals and family caregivers to speak with healthcare professionals, and ultimately normalize the public’s attitude towards mental health and well-being.

After, my solo session “Coffee & Conversations - Psychiatrists in the Public: Social Media & Branding” took place on stage at the Exhibit Hall where I shared a mini rendition of the general session previously presented on tangible approaches to personal branding and social media use for psychiatrists with the goal of enhancing public health through advocacy, policy, and community engagement. During this time, much to my surprise, I was awarded the APAF Emerging Leaders award. It was truly the icing on the cake to an incredible meeting. In that moment, I reflected on how grateful I am for the support of my colleagues and mentors.

Enjoying the Exhibit Hall and Celebrating at the APA Foundation Benefit Gala

Finally, it was time for a break to enjoy the exhibit hall where I met many attendees and even got a new headshot taken. Later that evening, I had the privilege of attending the APA Foundation Benefit Gala courtesy of one of my mentors where there was an auction, delicious food, time to mingle, beautiful lights show, and the best music and dancing in NYC at Cipriani’s on Broadway. It was a wonderful night to remember with my friends, mentors, and colleagues! I’m very grateful and thankful to experience APA Annual Meeting 2024 in NYC, and cheers to mental health awareness month because we all know that #mentalhealthmatters and #mentalhealthcareworks.

Dr. Caitlyn Fitzgerald and Dr. Patel

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