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TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 17, 2006 – The American Psychiatric Association (APA), America’s leading psychiatric medical society, will convene its 159th Annual Meeting from May 20-25, 2006, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). APA’s Annual Meeting, which assembles during Mental Health Month, continues to be the world’s largest gathering of psychiatric physicians. More than 18,000 are expected to attend, representing over 85 countries from around the world.
The theme of this meeting is, “From Science to Public Policy: Advocacy for Patients and the Profession.” With more than 1,000 clinical papers, symposia, new research poster sessions and workshops to be presented at the MTCC and surrounding hotels by the profession’s leading physicians, the APA Annual Meeting will cover the latest in mental health topics, research findings and education.
“We are very excited about holding our 159th Annual Meeting in the beautiful city of Toronto,” said Steven Sharfstein, M.D., APA president. “This year’s meeting promises to be not only a forum for the latest advances in treatments, new research findings and critical issues that impact the field of psychiatry, but also a time for our attendees to socialize and enjoy the sights and sounds of the host city.”
The 2006 APA Annual Meeting is also a forum for distinguished guests. At the Convocation Lecture, Pulitzer Prize winning author David K. Shipler, will discuss his experiences as a writer involved in covering racial and economic disparities. “Conversations,” an annual event hosted by the American Psychiatric Foundation, will feature actress, model and author Mariel Hemingway as she discusses her family’s experience with mental illness and its impact on future generations.”
During the meeting, experts from around the world will address current events and explore psychiatry in military operations, suicide on college campuses, and adolescent brain development. Among the many symposia and research papers to be presented at the meeting are Alcohol Use Disorders; Eating Disorders; Workplace Bullying; the Methamphetamine Epidemic in the U.S.; Treatment-Resistant Depression; Sexuality and the HIV Pandemic; Women’s Mental Health; and, Same Sex Civil Marriage.
“We are delighted to be welcoming this extraordinarily large group of psychiatric specialists to the MTCC,” added Barry Smith, the Centre’s CEO. “The American Psychiatric Association is a medical specialty society recognized world-wide. Its members work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorders and substance-related disorders.
“Mental illness is one of the greatest health care challenges we face as a society, affecting one out of every five individuals. We are pleased to be a part of this and to be supporting the important work of APA members around the world.”
Smith added that the MTCC anticipates this major convention will produce significant revenue for Toronto’s hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, with an overall economic impact of almost $28.6 million in direct spending.
About the American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose more than 36,000 physician members specialize in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses including substance use disorders. For more information, please visit the APA at www.psych.org and www.healthyminds.org.
About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 trade and convention facility and one of the finest in North America. With more than 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, it is considered a world-class, tier-one facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 10,000 events, entertained nearly 40 million guests and has had a multi-billion dollar direct and indirect economic impact on the City and Province.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Heather Evans Jessica Mikulski
MTCC Marketing Manager APA Communications Specialist
(416) 585-8126 (703) 907 - 8562 OR 416-585-3500 (on-site)
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