About ASCP
Message from the President
Dr. John Kane
Hello, I'm Dr. John Kane, President of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, or "ASCP". ASCP was founded in 1992 by a group of psychopharmacologists who believed that an organization was needed which focused on the clinical practice of psychopharmacology. The mission of the ASCP is to advance the science and practice of clinical psychopharmacology. The members of ASCP are physicians in psychopharmacologic practice and research, and doctoral level scientists involved in active clinical investigation in the field.
ASCP has a number of activities which your may explore on our web site. For example, we have 3 main meetings per year. The spring meeting is a workshop on clinical trials. This workshop is geared towards young investigators, but practicing clinicians who wish to participate in clinical psychopharmacology research have also found it very useful. There are lectures on basic research methodology, statistics, and the practicalities of becoming involved as an investigator in clinical trials.
Our fall meeting, which includes the annual membership meeting, is a world-class update on psychopharmacology. The program is designed to provide state-of-the-art education on new developments in the field for physicians already knowledgeable about drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. It's held on a weekend, so busy clinicians can more easily attend this jam-packed 2 day educational event.
Our newest meeting, NCDEU, is co-sponsored with the National Institute of Mental Health, and for 50 years has been one of the outstanding meetings at which new research is presented.
Of course, ASCP members receive discounts on these meetings, and other activities of the Society.
Another recent addition is our association with the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. As the official journal of ASCP, the society is represented on the editorial board, and publishes its own "ASCP Corner" page every month. Members receive the paper journal free, and may subscribe to the online edition at a modest cost.
ASCP is also the publisher of a residency training curriculum in psychopharmacology, which is quickly becoming a standard in psychiatry residency education across the country. We have reseased or will soon release similar curricula for primary care physicians and medical students.
Finally, each year, just prior to the APA annual meeting and just following of Fall Meeting, ASCP gives its Examination in Advanced Clinical Psychopharmacology. Successful candidates receive a certificate acknowledging their expertise in the field.
ASCP is all about education. If you are a physician in any specialty, or are a doctoral level scientist involved in active clinical psychopharmacological investigation, we hope that you'll join the Society. Dues are $100 per year (dues are waived for residents and fellows). We have lots of plans for the future which I think you'll both enjoy and benefit from professionally. Look through this web site to learn more about us. And contact our office if you have questions about the Society.