APA Cancels Annual Meeting in Philadelphia Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In light of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) to the United States, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) plans to cancel their 2020 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia scheduled for the end of April. The cancellation, announced in a press release on Sunday afternoon, comes amid widespread closures of public facilities and businesses, as well as further travel restrictions.

Several medical conferences planned for this spring have already been called off, and many institutions have issued a moratorium for meetings of large groups of people, including grand rounds. Saul Levin, MD, MPA, CEO and Medical Director of the APA noted, “We are in the midst of a public health emergency and must not add to the spread of the disease. Our doctors are needed to treat patients who are affected by the disease and its mental health impacts.”

However, the APA hopes to develop the 2020 APA On Demand product to deliver parts of the conference or other continuing medical education (CME) opportunities to physicians remotely. At this time, individuals who planned to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting can receive a full refund or credits toward the On Demand product.

As the situation develops, keep an eye out for updates or coverage of APA-related content through Psychiatry Advisor.

Readers can view the full press release — “APA Will Not Hold Its 2020 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Plans to Support the Learning Needs of Psychiatrists Through Online Education” — on the APA website.

Reference

APA will not hold its 2020 annual meeting in Philadelphia, plans to support the learning needs of psychiatrists through online education. Press release. American Psychiatry Association; March 15, 2020. Accessed March 16, 2020. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/annual-meeting/about/covid-19-coronavirus-updates