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In this edition of the Pennsylvania Psychiatrist you will find:
- Message from the PaPS President, Dr. Fischer
- Executive Committee and PaPS Council
- Upcoming PaPS Events
- Update: Government Relations
- Why I Got Involved In The APA
- Members Corner
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Editor’s Note:
Dear Members,
It’s been 5 months since the rebirth of our now monthly newsletter. Would love your feedback!
I encourage you to send your op/ed pieces, research articles, and creative writings for publication. We strongly aim to feature individual members and their accomplishments! Also, we have started a new section on managing burnout; please consider sharing your personal strategies!
Warm regards,
Hope Selarnick, MD, DLFAPA
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Kavita Fischer, MD, DFAPA
PaPS President
As we enter this holiday season, I invite you to join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of our members featured in this month’s newsletter. Each achievement reflects the dedication and excellence that defines our society.
This year has brought its share of challenges—economic pressures, evolving healthcare demands, and the need for innovation in patient care. Yet, through it all, our members have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our mission and to each other. Together, we have advanced education, strengthened advocacy, and expanded opportunities for collaboration. These successes remind us that progress is possible even in the most difficult times.
Looking ahead, our December Full Council Meeting will focus on critical decisions to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while continuing to deliver value and engagement for our members. These conversations are not easy, but they are essential for building a sustainable future for our society while balancing our need to continue to innovate, grow, and bring value to our members.
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Kavita Fischer, MD, DFAPA
President
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Mark Matta, DO, DFAPA
President Elect
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Indranil Chakrabarti, MD, FAPA
Vice President
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Aileen Oandasan, MD, FAPA
Treasurer
| | | Christine Marchionni, MD, DFAPA Secretary | | | |
Irakli Mania, MD, DFAPA
Immediate Past President
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Meet your 2025-2026 District Executive Council members. Their abbreviated bios are listed here.
Click here for the full PaPS Council member listing.
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Mark Your Calendars and Join Your Colleagues, Friends, & Peers at PaPS’ Statewide Conference
October 9-11, 2026 at Kalahari Resort & Conference Center
Bring the Family and Enjoy All Kalahari has to offer.
Overnight accommodations include resort fees, and 4 passes to Kalahari’s Waterpark (a $200 value).
Registration Opens June 2026
To Learn More About Kalahari, Scan the QR Code
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Kenneth Certa, MD, DLFAPA
We finally have a state budget in Pennsylvania, which is good news for all who think the legislature should follow the commonwealth constitution. It is also good news for those agencies which have had to borrow from their credit lines to make payroll while waiting for money from the state to start flowing again. Interest payments on this borrowing is not cheap.
The main features of the budget are an impressive increase in funding for schools, needed to satisfy a court ruling that the state was unconstitutionally under-funding some districts. Efforts to increase revenue by legalizing and taxing cannabis, as well as taxing skill games were not approved. Cannabis is certainly a complicated subject but most (not all) psychiatrists are not anxious to open those flood gates. Gambling regulation and taxation is also complex.
We are not happy with extensive gambling already extant and no bills have been moved recently to increase regulation including with skills games. HR60 is underway, however, to conduct a study on sports betting and related interactive gambling including recommended methods to further regulate the industry - goal of regulations to reduce problem gambling behaviors, gambling debt and the exposure of children to sports betting and related interactive gambling advertisements. A bipartisan joint commission will be releasing a report of its findings in May 2026 and our members have been involved in advocacy surrounding this and also have been working with PSAM to draft a position statement on mitigating gambling harm in Pennsylvania.
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Ellen Davis Conroy, DO, EdM, FAPA, FASAM
Dr. Ellen Davis Conroy is a psychiatrist (now retired) in the Philadelphia area.
Dr. Conroy’s early career in family practice involved private practice, occupational medicine and care for adults with disabilities at Devereux, Elwyn and Catholic Charities.
In her mid-career, Dr. Conroy retrained in the field of psychiatry, completing her residency at Thomas Jefferson in 2012. She went on to complete a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at UPENN in 2013.
Dr. Conroy obtained Board Certification in both family practice and psychiatry.
Following completion of her fellowship, she worked at the Philadelphia Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in their specialty addiction unit.
Dr. Conroy has been active as a leader in both The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society and The Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine. She chaired the Women’s Committee, Philadelphia Chapter and went on to serve on the Council and Executive Committee, culminating in her presidency 2023- 2024. Dr. Conroy also served on the Board of The Pennsylvania Society for Addiction Medicine (PSAM) for over a decade.
Dr. Conroy is a recipient of the prestigious Daniel Blain Award, Philadelphia Chapter, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, and the Mentorship Award from PSAM.
Dr. Conroy remains active on the Women’s Committee and continues to serve as a mentor to many other physicians.
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I retrained in Psychiatry in my early fifties.
I had become increasingly dissatisfied with the new medical model of “productivity” in primary care (10 minute visits/more procedures/less patient relationship building) but knew that I loved the field of medicine and did not want to leave it. Thus, after much serious contemplation and research, I was accepted into an incredibly rewarding, exciting and challenging training program to become a psychiatrist.
At Jefferson, the training holistically included not only Psychiatric education and skill building but also a wider view of the “business of psychiatry”. With the mentoring of our Residency Director, Dr. Ken Certa, we were challenged to opine on pertinent issues and bills being considered by our state and national legislators. We discussed reasons to get involved in championing or challenging these bills and saw how important our involvement was in supporting the framework of our profession. We further learned the roles our state and national associations played in advocating for and supporting psychiatrists-- in government relations, insurance models and research. We also understood the necessary role these professional groups played in incorporating new scientific advancements into best practice models. Most important was the timely ability of our professional associations to keep their members well-informed and well-educated, disseminating information as it became available.
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PaPS Selects Dr. Ahmad Hameed as the 2025 Presidential Award Recipient
Ahmad Hameed, MD, DFAPA
Each year, PaPS selects a member to receive the Presidential Award, the highest award presented by the Society. Chapters and general members are able to submit candidates for consideration, with the PaPS District Branch (DB) Awards Committee tasked with reviewing, vetting, scoring, and finally selecting the award recipient.
The award is open to all active members, not just those active at the DB or Chapter leadership levels, and must include a letter of nomination for one who has made outstanding contributions to the profession of psychiatry. Contributions to the profession are not limited to organized psychiatry.
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Hope Selarnick, MD, DLFAPA, FASAM, FCPP
Dr. Selarnick attended the Medical College of PA. She began her training in internal medicine but was drawn to psychiatry, completing her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital.
Dr. Selarnick currently serves as Director, Addiction Services, Philadelphia VAMC. Dr. Selarnick holds a faculty appointment at UPENN Dept. of Psychiatry. She is Board Certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Selarnick is a Distinguished Life Fellow APA, Fellow ASAM, and Fellow College of Physicians Philadelphia.
Dr. Selarnick is past recipient of the Daniel Blain Award and the Paul J Fink Leadership Award, Philadelphia Chapter, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society.
Dr. Selarnick has been active in organized psychiatry for >20 years.
Dr. Selarnick is past president of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, and of the Philadelphia Chapter. She currently serves at the DB level as co-chair Membership Engagement Committee, APA Area 3 Assembly Rep, and Editor, PaPS newsletter. Dr. Selarnick also serves on the following: Govt. Relations Committee, Education Committee, Workforce Shortage Taskforce. She is a staunch advocate of the Collaborative Care model (CoCM), and remains hopeful that this model will someday serve the Commonwealth of PA.
How I Avoid Burnout
For many years, I have found poetry to be a source of emotional release, both in reading others’ works and in penning my own. The poetry usually comes in like a flash and I am quick to write the words first on my iPhone, then come back later when in a quiet space. I have recently taken to embedding my poems in photos taken from my phone, hence the piece below. I hope that others will feel free to share their creative works and/or tools for combatting burnout.
We are after all in this together.
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The Assembly: A Quiet Cornerstone of Progress and Why This Work Matters
Mayank Gupta, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP, CPE
Dr. Mayank Gupta is a Triple Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. As a long-standing leader within organized psychiatry, Dr. Gupta is President of the Pittsburgh Chapter, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, and is an active contributor to the APA Assembly, where he has advanced evidence-based policy and clinical advocacy.
Internationally trained and nationally recognized, Dr. Gupta completed psychiatric training in London at the Charing Cross Program before completing residency at New York Medical College and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Rutgers University. He is also certified in Addiction Medicine and a Certified Physician Executive.
Dr. Gupta’s leadership has spanned inpatient, outpatient, and system wide roles, including service during pandemic to expand rural access to youth mental health care earned him the APA’s William C. Menninger Memorial Award for Rural Psychiatry.
A committed advocate for scientific rigor and patient centered care, Dr. Gupta has authored numerous scholarly publications and continues to contribute to APA initiatives, action papers, and national policy discussions. His clinical work integrates developmental science, psychotherapy, and neuropsychopharmacology, reflecting his dedication to advancing psychiatry in service of patients, families, and the profession.
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Within the American Psychiatric Association, the Assembly holds a role that is essential but often complex and difficult to interpret; therefore, explaining its role in advancing change is not always straightforward. It is the primary democratic engine that translates the concerns of members, the needs of patients and families, and the emerging realities of clinical practice into actionable policy. While the Assembly is well established as a deliberative and effective body, many members engage with it only peripherally, and even fewer fully appreciate its scope, its influence, and the rigor behind its processes.
The Assembly is where frontline experience meets organizational leadership. It is where scientific advancement is discussed alongside the practical challenges of implementation, and where ideas are refined through a structured, respectful, and evidence informed process. This system functions because of a thoughtful balance between bottom-up representation and top down guidance, a mechanism that allows the most pressing clinical, ethical, and policy concerns to surface, to be debated, and ultimately to shape the direction of the organization. The work is deliberate, sometimes slow, but always principled. It incorporates the soft accents of diplomacy, consensus building, and collegiality while maintaining the necessary resolve to confront complex issues.
| Recent State District Branch Events | |
2025 Patient Safety & Risk Management Report
Chandra Rai, MD, MBBS
Dr. Chandra Rai is currently a PGY4 Psychiatry resident at Tower Health – Phoenixville Hospital. Originally from New Delhi, India, he earned his medical degree from King George’s Medical University in India and then completed his psychiatry residency at PGIMER and Dr. RML Hospital in New Delhi. His interests include medical education and forensic psychiatry. As PGY4 resident, he is on Senior Resident Education Leadership Track where he is actively involved in teaching and mentoring medical students during their Psychiatry clerkships. He plans to pursue a career in academic psychiatry.
The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society’s 2025 Patient Safety and Risk Management Conference, providing 7.5 hrs of category 1 CME held virtually on November 8th, was a resounding success. It drew over 100 attendees and featured an impressive array of esteemed speakers, including Gina Perez, MD; Mark Zacharia, Esq.; Benjamin Reynolds, MSPAS, PAC, DFAAPA; Priya Gopalan, MD; Meredith Spada, MD, MEd; Rachel Kishton, MD, MSHP; David D. Luxton, PhD, MS; and John Northrop, MD, PhD.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with the experts and ask probing questions. They demonstrated enthusiastic participation throughout the conference, engaging actively with both speakers and fellow professionals via thoughtful questions and vibrant chat discussions. The interactive format fostered open exchange, with participants eagerly drawing on their diverse experiences and expertise to explore the complex issues discussed during the event. Lively dialogue enriched each session, and various challenges were candidly discussed and innovative solutions shared.
| | Pittsburgh Chapter Networking Dinner
November 14, 2025 | | Pittsburgh Chapter members attend the Teva sponsored dinner on November 14 at Eddie Merlot's Steak House. | | Drs. Mayank Gupta, Aileen Oandasan, Nicola Gray, Vitasta Bazaz and Brenda Freeman. | | |
Western Chapter Networking Dinner
November, 7, 2025
Western Chapter Members Attend Networking Dinner
| Members of the Western Chapter gathered on November 8 at a local eatery to enjoy good food and each other’s company! In attendance were Benjamin Gangewere, Peter Coffman, Jessie Zhang, Kenneth Bhatti, Alexander Young, Hemant Bhalla, Halla Park, Imelda Mahmutaj, Syam Khan and Antony DiNunzio. Many thanks to PRMS for their generous support of this event. | |
2025 Philadelphia Chapter Awards Gala
November 15, 2025 | | Philadelphia 2025 Awards Gala Awardees and presenters: Back row, left to right: Michael Feinberg, MD, PhD, Kenneth Weiss, MD, DLFAPA, Michael Edward Thase, MD, Frederick "Rick" Stoddard, MD, PhD (President-Elect); Middle row: Ashley Un, MD, Kirklan Kathe, MD, Heather V. John (President), MD, PhD, FAPA: Front row: Janice J. Cederstrom, MD, Fayez El-Gabalawi, MD, Panduranga Venkataramana, MBBS, Arpita Goswami Banerjee, MBBS, Marina Goldman, MD. | |
Philadelphia Chapter Executive Council:
Left to right: Treasurer Sudha Nair, MD, MPH; Immediate Past President Kenneth J. Weiss, MD, DLFAPA; Senior Advisor Michael Feinberg, MD, PhD, DLFAPA; Vice President Geoffrey Neimark, MD, FAPA; President Heather V. John, MD; President-Elect Frederick "Rick" Stoddard, MD, PhD. | | |
The Philadelphia Awards Gala took place at The Kirkbride Center, formerly The Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Philadelphia Chapter honored the achievements of our esteemed colleagues (listed below). We celebrated w/ friends and colleagues and enjoyed a lovely assortment of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. A special addition to this year’s event included a fabulous keynote presentation by acclaimed journalist Stephen Fried in honor of the legacy of our historic venue, the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. It was truly a night to remember. Our special thanks to the leadership at Kirkbride Center, and particularly John Fleming, for providing this historic venue on this historic night. We would also like to thank Dr. Bruce Levin and Dr. Fred Bauer for facilitating the connection to the Institute.
2025 Honorees:
Dr. Panduranga Venkataramana - Daniel Blain Award
Dr. Arpita Goswami Banerjee - Jack Greenspan Early Career Award
Dr. Kirklan Kathe - Jack Greenspan Resident Award
Dr. Janice J. Cederstrom - Outstanding Practitioner Award
Dr. Ashley Un - Larry Real Public Psychiatry Award
Dr. Kenneth Weiss - President’s Award
Dr. Marina Goldman - President’s Award
Dr. Fayez El-Gabalawi - Paul J. Fink Leadership Award
Dr. Michael Feinberg - Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Michael Edward Thase - Lifetime Achievement Award, Research
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APA Assembly: Welcome to Area 3
Constance E. Dunlap, M.D., and Mary Anne Albaugh, M.D.
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Constance E. Dunlap, M.D., is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Washington, D.C., and a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at George Washington University. She serves as representative for Area 3 in the APA Assembly.
Mary Anne Albaugh, M.D., is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Deerfield Behavioral Health of Warren, Erie Office/Journey Health System. She serves as deputy representative for Area 3 in the APA Assembly and chair of the APAPAC Board of Directors.
APA’s Area 3 comprises five district branches in the mid-Atlantic region: the Psychiatric Society of Delaware (PSD), the Maryland Psychiatric Society (MPS), the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society (PaPS), the New Jersey Psychiatric Association (NJPA), and the Washington Psychiatric Society (WPS). The area is home to remarkable diversity, encompassing urban and rural communities with a rich mix of ethnoracial, religious, and sexual identities—all focused on access to evidence-based clinical care, physician well-being, and public awareness about mental health care.
Strategic Advantages
Area 3 uniquely houses APA’s national headquarters—originally in downtown Washington, D.C., later in Northern Virginia, and now back again in D.C., in a beautiful building on the southwest waterfront. For many years, WPS hosted receptions for APA leadership, providing valuable access for trainees. In addition, our D.C. location has provided geographical access to Capitol Hill and congressional leadership.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), this disorder is identified as a type of depression – major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.
People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. The most difficult months for people with SAD in the United States tend to be January and February. While it is much less common, some people may experience SAD in the summer.
SAD is more than just “winter blues.” The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. However, it can be treated. About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD and it typically lasts about 40% of the year. The prevalence of SAD varies with geographical latitude, age and sex. The prevalence increases at higher latitudes with SAD being more common in people living far from the equator where there are fewer daylight hours in the winter. Younger people and women are also at higher risk.
| | | Join the PaPS Member Facebook Group | | |
The PaPS Social Media and Communications Committee is reaching out to invite you to join our private Facebook group, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, a professional online community created exclusively for Pennsylvania psychiatrists. The group is designed to facilitate the exchange of clinical insights, discuss the latest developments in psychiatry, and support peer-to-peer collaboration in a respectful and enriching environment.
If you’re interested in connecting with fellow psychiatrists, sharing knowledge, and staying up to date on relevant discussions and resources, we would be delighted to have you join us.
To join the group:
Click the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/papsmembers or you can search for the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society group in the Facebook search. You can also use the QR code below to be directed to the group.
Participation is entirely voluntary and the group is moderated to ensure it remains a constructive and professional space.
| Please feel free to reach out to Cathy Thompson at cthompson@nextwavegroup.net if you have any questions.
We look forward to welcoming you to the community. | | Updates & Resources from PRMS
Refer a Colleague Double Donations This November
To show our gratitude and support for our clients, this November PRMS is proud to announce Refer a Colleague Double Donations month. For every referral PRMS receives in November 2025, we will make a $100 donation – up $50 from our usual amount – to benefit the district branch or other mental healthcare organization of the referrer’s choice. Please visit PRMS.com/Refer to learn more about the program and start earning donations for your organization today.
Q3 2025 Case of the Quarter
Attached please find PRMS’ latest “Case of the Quarter” column, a sample case study highlighting best practices in actual scenarios encountered through PRMS’ extensive experience in litigation and claims management. This newest resource covers the topic of reporting board complaints to your malpractice carrier promptly. Current and past cases can also be found on our website here.
PRMS Blog
Our most recent blog articles include research by resident members of the Florida Psychiatric Society, and a reflection from an Early Career Psychiatrist in Queens County Psychiatric Society on his choice of working with incarcerated individuals. Read more at PRMS.com/blog. | | |
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Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society
574E Richie Highway, #271, Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: 800-422-2900 | Fax: 410-544- 4640
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