From 22-25 March 2017 the XXXV. Congress of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DGKJP) took place in Ulm.
The conference focused on the topic “belonging to” and this motto was found in many of the Congress’s events. The bi-annual scientific Congress is the largest child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy event in the German-speaking world. The congress offers an important opportunity for further professional development and the presentation of the latest scientific results, as well as the possibility for a regular reunion of colleagues and to get to know new participants and exchange experiences.
“Belonging to” is a theme that is relevant to all children and young people from early childhood. Being part of a family, friends, school, sports clubs etc.
“Belonging to” has many facets in our society. It shows, on the one hand, the discussion about the inclusion of children with difficulties in regular school teaching. In addition, children who are particularly burdened also need better participation opportunities in our society. At the moment, the refugee crisis and the fate of the unaccompanied underage refugees make it clear every day how important acceptance and opportunities are for a successful treatment of trauma. Therefore, during the UNICEF day on Saturday, 25 March, the focus was on the participation and integration of mostly young refugees as well as on the topic of international work.
This year, it was a great honor that the EFPT could be represented by a symposium on the subject during the UNICEF day.
“Intercultural understanding within the framework of specialist training –
The example of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees –
Chances and opportunities”
The contribution demonstrated the opportunities for intercultural understanding and perspective which arise through the EFPT.
During the symposium, the importance of intercultural understanding for child and adolescent psychiatrists was discussed. The work of the CAP working group was presented. In addition, the exchange program was outlined, allowing young clinicians in psychiatry to gain experience in other European countries, representing an opportunity for intercultural understanding for curious trainees. In addition, opportunities for young researchers in Europe were presented.
The 90-minute symposium was organized by representatives of EFPT: Teresa Gómez Alemany (Barcelona, Spain); Franziska Bässler (Heidelberg, Germany); Roland Grassl (Vienna, Austria) and Sarah Maria Birkle (Hamm, Germany). There was a total of four lectures which were assessed by the participants as a very positive experience.
This symposium was a clear example of the determined strength and persistent enthusiasm shown by EFPT members.
This example demonstrates that EFPT gives us the opportunity to develop intercultural understanding towards our profession and our patients, to obtain different perspectives during our training program, and enables an international approach to our thoughts and ideas enriching both our common and individual goals.
At this point we would also like to give our thanks to the DGKJP for the opportunity to participate in the congress.
Best wishes,
Teresa Gómez Alemany (Chair of the EFPT- CAP Working Group and EFPT Board Member)
Sarah Maria Birkle (EFPT CAP and – Exchange Working Group member, CAP representative EFPT, Germany)
Franziska Bässler (Former EFPT Board Member and – EFPT secretary)
Roland Grassl (Former EFPT Board Member and – EFPT treasurer)