President's Message
Adriana P. Hermida, MD, United States
President (2026-2027)
Dear IPA Members and Colleagues,
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer or winter, wherever you are in the world.
As I reflect on the past few months, I am filled with gratitude for all we are accomplishing together. Our International Congress in Leiden was a great success, bringing together members and colleagues from 55 countries to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and advance the mental health of older adults. Set in a beautiful historic venue, the Congress highlighted not only outstanding science but also the vibrant spirit of our global IPA community. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and helped make the meeting such an inspiring experience.
Our commitment to education continues this fall with two exciting initiatives. On September 26 and 27, we will launch the IPA International Spanish Course in Mental Health of Older Adults, a live online program that will provide Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals from all disciplines with high-quality education and an official IPA Certificate upon successful completion. We are also launching the IPA ECHO Africa Program, which will expand education, mentorship, and collaborative learning with healthcare professionals across Africa, strengthening global partnerships and improving care for older adults.
As IPA grows, so do the opportunities to become involved. We are currently welcoming new members to our Membership, Education, and Advocacy Committees, the Early Career Network, and the AI and Communication Task Force. Whether you are a new or long-standing member, I encourage you to contribute your expertise, ideas, and enthusiasm. Getting involved is one of the best ways to build international collaborations and help shape the future of IPA. If you are interested, please contact jkowalski@ipa-online.org.
Looking ahead, I am excited to invite you to our next International Congress in Padua, Italy, on May 28–30, 2027. We look forward to welcoming you for another exceptional scientific meeting and the opportunity to strengthen the connections that make IPA such a special organization.
Thank you for your dedication to IPA and to improving the lives of older adults around the world. Together, we will continue to educate, engage, innovate, and inspire.
I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Adriana P. Hermida, MD
Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
President, International Psychogeriatric Association
