The Importance of Learning

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Albert Einstein once said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” Nowhere is that truer than in medicine. As research uncovers new mechanisms of action for pharmacology and etiologies of disorders, physicians must keep up with the latest and most effective ways to help their patients.

John J. Miller, MD, sets the stage with his editorial, a personal reflection on a lifetime of learning. Even after nearly 30 years of practice, he admits he has mastered only the first 5 letters of the “psychiatric alphabet.” He exhorts clinicians to join him as he seeks a deeper understanding of the psychiatric ABCs. And Psychiatric Times® is honored to support you in that endeavor.

Perhaps the most exciting learning happens at the frontiers of knowledge, where new discoveries are made. In this issue you will find clinical and commentary pieces that explore new research, outline novel strategies to overcome challenges, and share lessons from experiential learning. Our continuing medical education article, for example, discusses considerations surrounding medical cannabis. Although it is gaining medical acceptance and piquing patient interest, cannabis raises important medicolegal questions, and clinicians need to know what they are and how to answer.

At the same time, there is always something new to learn, even about the most familiar topics. Within these pages, we include articles that explore core clinical areas, including mood disorders, schizophrenia and psychosis, and neuropsychiatry. For example, Rajesh Tampi, MD, MS, FAPA, and colleagues take a close look at the variants of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This disorder is the third most common type of dementia and the second most common among patients 65 years or younger, but it is often misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders. The authors provide the practical knowledge you need to better identify and manage FTD. Similarly, Kultaj Kaleka, RN, and Juliette M. Perzhinsky, MD, MSc, share insights into medication-assisted treatment, including the ethical dilemmas related to its use. They remind us that in learning the ABCs of psychiatry, it is important to reflect on the ethical implications for patients.

This month you have another exciting learning opportunity, as we proudly present the Annual Psychiatric Times® World CME Conference™. This dynamic, online event will offer you practical clinical insights, from the comfort of your own home, as you learn from members of the Psychiatric Times’^® Editorial Board, regular contributors, and leaders in the field. As a bonus, attendees can earn 16.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. We hope to see you there!

In our continuing effort to support you and your practice, we encourage you to give us your thoughts, feedback, and ideas.You can reach the editorial staff at PTEditor@mmhgroup.com. We are partners on your educational journeys, and Psychiatric Times®is honored to be the publication you read cover-to-cover. ❒

Mike Hennessy Sr

Chairman and Founder, MJH Life Sciences