TPSIG NEWSLETTER ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS 1STJAN 2015
Editors Note: Hellme Najim
Transcultural issues have been more relevant over the past year with the developments around the world.
Our transcultural psychiatry special interest group was busy this year. We managed to organise two symposia at The Royal College about psychiatry in Africa and in Eastern Europe. Both of them were well attended and triggered more food for thought.
We managed to contribute two symposia to the World Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in Madrid; on Transcultural Aspects of Stigma in Psychiatry and another titled ‘Drug misuse in Ethnic Minorities in Europe.’ It was a nice opportunity to network with other special interest groups in Europe and worldwide.
I am pleased to be contacted by many psychiatrists nationally and around the world, who expressed their interest in this developing and challenging branch of psychiatry. I am always intrigued and excited by the flame of youth and the warmth and activities it generates around it. A few trainee psychiatristshave contacted me and put forward very interesting suggestions endorsed with contributions. A nice sample is presented in this issue of our newsletter, and we are hoping that more will follow. I believe that new blood is essential for the affluence of the spring of life.
Our future plans entail organising more symposia on psychiatry in different parts of the world, transcultural aspects of mental health nationally and internationally, and presentations and management of various psychiatric disorders in different cultures.
I would like to thank Lena Jawad for her help and efforts to let this newsletter see the light of the day.
We aim to expand our activities to different parts of the UK by advertising for representatives, and all colleagues are welcome to apply.
We would like to produce our newsletter regularly twice a year. An editorial position for Newsletter is advertised in this issue and all applications are welcome.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
This issue is about psychiatry in the Middle East and our next issue will be about psychiatry in Africa. Your support, help and contribution is very much appreciated.