The American Psychoanalytic Foundation launched its Visiting Professor Program in January. For two days Arthur L. Rosenbaum, visited the psychiatry residency training program at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, where he conducted a “difficult case” conference for PGY1 and PGY2 residents, presented a paper on evaluation of parents at grand rounds, heard a faculty case presentation addressing issues of development, discussed case material with advanced residents, and held a workshop for faculty and community psychotherapists on writing about treatment process.
Rosenbaum's impression that his audiences enjoyed his visit as much as he did was confirmed by Mary Landy, director of psychiatry resident education. Landy described Rosenbaum as “a delightful human being who has great depth of vision and good skills in talking with people.” She reported that residents found him to be a good role model of a psychoanalyst—thoughtful, attentive to clinical detail, and pragmatic.
Senior residents, in a training program that has offered little exposure to psychoanalytic ideas, were excited to hear about psychoanalytic theory and recognized that the increased understanding of patients which psychoanalytic perspectives provide can be helpful in their work. Landy is hopeful that the workshop on writing about treatment process will lead to an ongoing activity. Further, she hopes Rosenbaum will continue an association with her residency program.
An APF Visiting Professor Award to the psychiatry residency training program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine will support a visit by Robert Michels in April. The APF will make four additional Visiting Professor Awards in 1997 and is seeking applications from psychiatry and psychology training programs in which no strong psychoanalytic influence is readily available. Visiting Professors, through their interaction with trainees, program faculty, community practitioners, and members of the public, will demonstrate the value and process of psychoanalysis in understanding and treating patients and as an important cultural force.
For information about applying for a Visiting Professor Award contact Sandra C. Walker, MD, 5802 NE 59th Street, Seattle, WA, 98105. Walker chairs the APF Visiting Professor Committee in collaboration with Robert Wallerstein.