The ambiguous title of this article is intended to recognize both the contributions that many candidates made during the recent meetings of The American in San Diego and the meaningful involvement that the Affiliate Council is providing for candidates.
From all reports, candidates enjoyed the meetings immensely, starting with the scientific program, moving on to the Affiliate Council meeting, taking in the work done by candidates on committees of The American (including the parties and social events) and, last but certainly not least, seeing friends from across the country. Virginia Livesay organized a dinner gathering for candidates at the hotel. As always, the Executive Committee of The American had a reception for candidates on Saturday evening.
I am pleased to report a high level of cooperation between the administration of The American and the Affiliate Council. With the support of the Executive Committee, the Board on Professional Standards (BOPS), and the Executive Council, it was possible in a week's time to accomplish a policy change that makes the first year of affiliate membership free. From now on, new candidates will be automatically accepted into The American, and they will receive the benefits of affiliate membership for a year at no cost.
The Committee on New Training Facilities (CNTF) and the Committee on Research and Special Training (CORST) are looking for candidates interesting in joining them. For more information, contact the chair of the Nominations Committee, Maxine Gann (212-860-3368).
BOPS has ratified a proposal of the Committee on Preparedness and Progress (COPAP) recommending a revised approach to the selection of candidates. For details, please read the COPAP report in this issue of TAP. You may know clinicians in your area who are interested in psychoanalytic training; they will now find applying for psychoanalytic training more accessible.
Myron Hurwitz from the Certification Committee came to the meeting of the Affiliate Council and encouraged candidates to view the certification process as both a learning experience and a supportive confirmation of analytic identity. Don Rosenblitt also came to the meeting. He talked about a desire for increased candidate involvement — input concerning the education of candidates — in BOPS, which has the responsibility of supporting psychoanalytic education in all institutes of The American.
Otto Kernberg spoke at the Psychoanalytic Forum on Analytic Identity at the San Diego meeting about the formation of his own professional analytic identity. Response to the forum was very positive. There was a general feeling that we have much to learn from the personal development of psychoanalysts who have made significant contributions to the field. Look for another psychoanalytic forum during the December meetings in New York (Thursday, December 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.), along with several other scientific programs organized by the Affiliate Council.
The following Affiliate Council committee chairs have been designated. Feel free to call the chairs of any committees that interest you to get more information. These candidates will be happy to tell you more about their committee work and opportunities to get involved with the Affiliate Council.
Committee on By-Laws: Karen Sabovich (818-986-2547)
Committee on the Candidate Survey: Alexander Lerman (914-232-4273).
Committee on Liaison with IPSO: Stephanie Smith (617-437-1295)
Committee on Membership: Jane Walvoord (214-691-2171)
Committee on the Mentorship Program: Carolyn Weyand (504-861-2900)
Committee on Nominations: Maxine Gann (212-868-3368).
Committee on Scientific Programs: William Glover (415-864-7042)
Committee on TAP: Andrea Weiss (310-247-9677)