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Mark Matta, MD, DFAPA
PaPS President
| | As we welcome the lush, vibrant summer months across Pennsylvania, a familiar seasonal shift occurs. The structured days of the academic year dissolve, leaving a sprawling canvas of free time for our children and adolescents. Yet, as mental health professionals, we are acutely aware that this canvas is increasingly painted over by the relentless glow of digital devices and the rigid itineraries of highly organized summer programs. As President of the PA Psychiatric Society, I want to take this opportunity to advocate for a return to a fundamental, though rapidly fading, pillar of childhood development: unstructured, risk-taking play. | | Hope Selarnick, MD, DLFAPA | | |
Editor's Note:
Our President, Dr. Mark Matta, writes about risk taking which is a perfect segue to our own history. While our country is celebrating its 250th, our own PaPS is hitting 87! Anything new involves risk and creative thinking and so it was with the early founders of our own society.
We are indebted to Past President Dr. Edward Leonard (1987-88) who has provided a reprint of his 2009 article discussing the early founders of our society. Dr. Leonard has also graciously provided detailed notes documenting PaPS history from 1939-1953 for all you aspiring historians out there! You will also find a link to a full listing of our past presidents, all who left their mark and a piece of our history. Over the next several months we will be sharing more historical items about PaPS, and our individual Chapters.
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Mark Matta, DO, DFAPA
President
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Indranil Chakrabarti, MD, DFAPA
President Elect
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Christine Marchionni, MD, DFAPA
Treasurer
| Howard Levin, MD, DFAPA
Secretary | | |
Aileen Oandasan, MD, FAPA
Vice President
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Kavita Fischer, MD, DFAPA
Immediate Past President
| | 2026-2027 District Executive Council members with their abbreviated bios are listed here. | | Kenneth Certa, MD, DLFAPA | | Government Affairs Update | Just two weeks late, the legislature passed a budget for the commonwealth (it was five months late last year). There are few surprises in a budget dominated by concerns for how we will address the looming crisis in health care as more and more folks lose their Medicaid and Obamacare coverage. We are pleased to see an appropriation for Mental Health Programs of $979.8 million, a $41.2 million or 4.4% increase. This includes funding of $10 million for the 988 crisis line and crisis stabilization walk-in centers. | | |
This just in - PaPS & PSAM Press Release in response to PA Joint State Government Commission report on sports betting and interactive gambling.
Great work by our Government Relations team taking action for stronger protections against gambling-related harm.
| | August 5, 2026 - PaPS Monthly Webinar
Barriers and Facilitators to Community Participation and Belonging in Individuals with Serious Mental Illness with Dr. Julie Graziane, OMHSAS Medical Director | | | |
Mark Your Calendars and Join Your Colleagues at PaPS’ Statewide Conference
October 9-11, 2026 at Kalahari Resort & Conference Center.
Early bird registration rate extended to July 31st!
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).
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An update from the Executive Director
Summer is in full swing and PaPS is not taking a vacation from supporting its members. Make sure you check the PaPS website often for updates and registration for in-person and virtual events.
| | Edward C. Leonard, Jr., MD, DLFAPA
Click here for Dr. Leonard's bio | | A special thanks to Dr. Edward Leonard for providing this rich historical account of our society. Dr. Leonard has provided his original article, a copy of our newsletter from 2009 and news and notes from 1939-1953. Click the links below to read more. | | |
Against the backdrop of our Nation’s 250th we celebrate our own rich history with this list of Past Presidents, all who served with distinction.
Click here to view the list
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2027 APA National Elections
APA is now receiving applications for candidates in the 2027 National Board of Trustees election cycle.
Submit an Application Here
APA Learning Center
Upcoming Webinar
Shrinkwrapped: How Plastic Pollution Impacts the Brain
- Tuesday, August 4
- 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. ET
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1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ **
- APA Members - $25; Non-Members - $45; Resident Fellow Members - $25; Medical Student Members - $0
Click here for more information or to register.
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FREE PRMS Educational Opportunity
for Residents & Early Career Psychiatrists
Hello,
As your resident and fellow members prepare for the next stage of their careers, they will be making important decisions about moonlighting, employment, and professional liability coverage. To help them navigate these decisions, we invite you to share the attached webinar announcement with your trainee and early career psychiatry members.
PRMS Psych-cess: Insurance 101 for Psychiatrists is a free educational webinar designed specifically for residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists. Presented by PRMS underwriter Terri Starkey, this session will provide practical guidance on topics such as:
- How to know if professional liability insurance is needed
- What medical professional liability insurance protects against
- When to apply for coverage
- The different types of coverage available
- Program benefits and discounts for residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists
With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Terri has helped educate psychiatrists across the country on professional liability coverage. This webinar is intended to equip new physicians with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions as they begin their new chapter.
Attached please find the event flyer with registration details, which may be of interest to your resident, fellow, and early career psychiatrist members who may benefit from this educational opportunity.
Thank you for helping support the next generation of psychiatrists.
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Julia Bajereanu | Senior Client and Partner Relations Manager
Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS)
4300 Wilson Boulevard | Suite 700 | Arlington, VA 22203
Cell: (412) 660-2092
Toll Free: (800) 245-3333
PRMS.com
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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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