Among the great pleasures of The American's Fellowship program is the opportunity for Fellows to meet like-minded people from around the country. Every year, the program produces lasting collegial ties and friendships that sustain themselves without organizational effort.

One resoundingly successful effort was a regional meeting of Fellows and former Fellows. Gauri Agnihotri and Sara Bolton, 1996-97 Fellows, organized the First Annual Northeastern Midwinter Conference of Current and Former Fellows, held in Stock-bridge, Mass., in March 1997. Ten current Fellows and some postdoctoral candidates came together for two and a half days in the Berkshires. Conference participants joined the Austen Riggs community for its weekly Friday night lecture and discussion, toured the Austen Riggs Center, relaxed in comfortable condominium accommodations, and enjoyed dining at an artists' restaurant. There was a discussion of cases of malignant narcissism with Joan Wheelis, Gerry Fromm, and Ed Shapiro, CEO and director of the center, and a discussion with David Shapiro on his recent paper, “Character and Psychotherapy,” hosted by Jonathan Aronoff, treasurer of the Affiliate Council of The American.

In short, as Agnihotri writes, “The scenery was breathtaking, the discussions heartfelt, and the company the best.” We hope the First Annual Northeastern Midwinter Conference turns out to be a trendsetter. West Coast Fellows are organizing a similar conference for next year.