Candidates Association 1970-1971

During the academic year of 1970-1971, the theme of the Candidates Association was the exploration of the organization, curriculum and philosophy of other candidate groups. Toward this end, the Executive Committee arranged several meetings with candidate members of the William Alanson White Institute, Columbia Psychoanalytic Institute and the New York Medical College Comprehensive Course in Psychoanalysis. From these meetings much insight into the functioning of the other groups was derived and in an interchange of ideas, many constructive proposals were presented and examined.

These groups, with the American Institute for Psychoanalysis Candidates Association as host, held a highly successful “First Inter-Candidate Forum” at the Karen Horney Clinic. The topic for discussion was “A History of Psychoanalytic Schisms” and speakers representing each of the Institutes described their versions of the schisms in which they were involved. The speakers were Irving F. Bieber, M.D., from New York Medical College, Harry Gershman, M.D., Dean of our own Institute, John A. Millet, M.D., representing the Columbia Psychoanalytic Institute. Ruth Moultob, M.D., from the William Alanson White Institute, and May E. Romm who has been connected with White, Columbia and Southern California psychoanalytic history. This was really an historic meeting in that it represented the joint efforts of the candidates and graduates of the concerned Institutes. This ecumenical movement will be pursued in future years.

Other aspects included the presentation by the Executive Committee of a program, ratified by the candidates, directed toward increasing the more direct participation of the candidates in the American Institute for Psychoanalysis.

Social events included a dinner meeting held at the Gramercy Park Hotel and the annual picnic held at Stony Lodge, thanks to Dr. Luis Murillo as host.

The year was a successful one in laying the groundwork toward more constructively expansive goals.