If you are receiving this Newsletter, it means you are somehow connected to the large family that EFPT has become over the last 22 years. Just like you, I became involved with EFPT because I met someone who introduced me to the family. Later the same year, I went to one of the major international psychiatry congresses and met other EFPT delegates there. I was impressed by their commitment, passion and friendship across borders. They convinced me to attend the next EFPT Forum in Zürich. The rest is history.
As the EFPT’s new president, I am honoured to build upon the legacy that has served European trainees in psychiatry for more than 20 years. Today, on behalf of the entire EFPT family, I am pleased to introduce you to the new EFPT Board and General Managers, and to offer our vision for EFPT in the upcoming year.
Firstly, we will continue to invest in the Working Groups, of which we currently foster 7 under the EFPT banner: CAP, Exchange, MENTA, Research, Psychotherapy, Positive Image Promotion, Substance Abuse and the newly established WG on Involuntary Treatment. Throughout this year you will get to know them and their projects and hopefully become inspired by their work.
Secondly, because we believe that the National Psychiatry Trainee Associations make up the backbone of EFPT, the theme that will drive the 2015-2016 EFPT year will be our closer connection to the NTAs. The EFPT’s success is very much connected with the success of your national trainee association, and we are very excited to hear more from you! For this purpose we have appointed a new NTA coordinator General Manager (Mircea Radu from France), who will be our primary link to your national associations throughout this year. If you are president of one of our NTAs, you will receive an email from him soon with more information.
A wise person once said that “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” (Anatole, France). My dream for you is that you may be encouraged by the EFPT’s core values on your journey to success: Fun, Friendship, Inspiration and Collaboration. So, move forward with passion and determination and know that we are here to help you succeed.
What is your dream for EFPT?
Livia De Picker
EFPT President 2015-2016
