IPA Bulletin
President's Message

Alistair Burns

IPA...Coming of Age

As I near the conclusion of my tenure as IPA President, I find myself reflecting on the many changes and advances I have witnessed in this association over the years of my involvement. It has been a remarkable journey—one that I appreciate more and more as I travel down the path towards the future of IPA.

My introduction to the IPA was through Raymond Levy for whom I worked as a lecturer in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was clear to me that the IPA was a club of which I would like to be a member but I was not sure if the IPA wanted me. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of individuals whom I met. From a selfish point of view, the opportunity to influence an organization and to meet, get to know and collaborate with international authorities was not an opportunity a person committed to my own advancement, could turn down! My involvement with IPA has exceeded all my initial expectations, the opportunity I have had to learn and meet with others has been wholly unique and I find myself in a privileged position. I like to think that my three objectives of involving the membership more, of emphasizing the benefits of the regional initiatives, and trying to streamline the committee and administrative structure have at least been partially successful during my tenure as President.

There have been many changes in the organization through these years. I have been very fortunate to have witnessed the establishment of the IPA Website, IPA regional initiatives and regional meetings, special interest groups, formal affiliation with other organizations, and BPSD. I have been excited to see the growth and development of IPA Congresses, the journal, the newsletter, the IPA special expert meetings, the Board of Directors, and the Secretariat staff.

Many operational enhancements have been put into place ensuring that the growth will be appropriately managed and nurtured, moving the organization with confidence and pride into the future. Most notable have been the internalization of the IPA meeting planning processes, the improved financial management and reporting structures, the Board of Director retreats and work on the mission, vision and goals of the organization, contested Board of Director elections, an election process for IPA officers, the establishment of IPA leadership guidelines, the establishment of a financial reserve fund, and more formal orientation processes for IPA leaders.

Looking down the road into the future, we will soon have electronic access to the journal, an electronic newsletter, distance learning vehicles, and most important, increased opportunities for members to participate in IPA activities through its regional initiatives, special interest groups, and expert conferences. It is truly a remarkable and exciting time. 

As we gather in Chicago for the 21st birthday celebration of the organization this August during the Congress, I hope you will join me in thanking the many people who have been a part of this amazing organization over the years. They are too many to mention going back to the beginning of my involvement in the organization, so I will limit these notes to those who have contributed a great deal to the organization during my tenure as President.

 The IPA Executive Committee, without whom I would not have been able to do my job, includes Edmond Chiu, Immediate Past President, George Grossberg, President-Elect, Mario Fioravanti, Secretary, Eric Caine, Treasurer, and Thea Heeren, Treasurer-Elect. 

 Editors of the IPA publications include Robin Eastwood and David Ames for International Psychogeriatrics, David Ames and David Folks for the IPA Bulletin, and Jay Luxenberg for IPA-Online.

 The meetings committee, led by Joel Sadavoy and Joao Machado, that has made incredible progress and improvements in the planning and delivery of IPA congresses and meetings. 

 Philippe Robert and Sanford Finkel, who have devoted considerable time and energy in chairing the IPA 2001 and 2003 Congresses.

 Brian Lawlor and his BOD Affairs Committee who have devoted many hours of thought and time into the IPA leadership and BOD processes and procedures.

 James Lindesay and his Strategic Planning Committee who developed the processes and facilitated the BOD’s important work on the IPA mission, visions, strategic goals and prioritization process.

 John O’Brien, Timo Erkinjuntti and Barry Reisberg, who produced the successful Vascular Burden of the Brain Special Expert Meeting.

 Ian McKeith and Jacob Mintzer who produced the informative and exciting Dementia with Lewy Bodies Special Expert Meeting.

I would be remiss if I didn’t conclude with a very special thanks and notice of appreciation to the IPA Secretariat staff, as led by Fern Finkel. It is the staff contributions that allow the leaders to focus their energies and talents on the overall direction of the organization. IPA is extremely fortunate to have such a professional and supportive Secretariat staff, all of whom work tirelessly on IPA projects.

Contact Alistair Burns via Sue Whalley, Academic Secretary to Professor Alistair Burns, Department of Psychiatry, 2nd Floor, Education and Research Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Rd., Manchester M23 9LT, +44-161-291-5887, or send an email message to swhalley@fs1.with.man.ac.uk

Reprinted from IPA Bulletin, Volume 20, Number 2