Dear AAGP Members,
As I begin my year as President of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our remarkable community.
Over the past several weeks, I have reflected deeply on what AAGP has meant to me throughout my professional journey. The annual meeting in Arlington last month saw over 900 registrants, and was an outstanding opportunity for us to connect, learn, network, and reaffirm our commitment to our organization, values, and mission. Like many of you, I came to AAGP seeking professional growth, education, mentorship, and connection. What I found was something far greater- a professional home grounded in collaboration, compassion, resilience, and a shared commitment to improving the mental health and wellness of aging adults.
Our organization continues to grow and evolve. Our membership is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to the active engagement of our members, and to scholarly and educational initiatives to grow our organization. AAGP now has 1,470 active members, the largest post-COVID pandemic, and driven by numerous robust initiatives that we have in place, such as the Certificate Program and the Scholars Program. What makes AAGP truly special remains unchanged: our people. We are a vibrant and interdisciplinary community of clinicians, educators, researchers, advocates, trainees, and partners united by a common mission to advance geriatric mental health.
As we look toward the year ahead, I am excited about the opportunities before us. Together, we will continue advancing the priorities outlined in AAGP’s Strategic Plan, including educational excellence, advocacy and awareness, member engagement and growth, and organizational resilience. These priorities are not merely abstract goals, they are member-driven initiatives powered by the dedication and expertise of our committees, volunteers, and leadership.
One of my goals this year is to further strengthen opportunities for connection and collaboration across our membership, and to grow our organization. Whether you are a longtime member, early in your career, or newly discovering the field of geriatric psychiatry, I want every member to feel welcomed, valued, and engaged within AAGP.
I also believe strongly that our organization benefits from diverse perspectives and pathways into the field. By welcoming professionals from varied backgrounds, experiences, disciplines, and training journeys and by continuing to foster mentorship, inclusivity, and professional development, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for our field.
As we prepare for AAGP’s 50th Anniversary in 2028, we have an opportunity not only to honor the leaders who built this organization, but also to shape our legacy. I am inspired by the resilience, innovation, and generosity of this community and optimistic about the future we will build together.
I also look forward to gathering with many of you next April in San Diego for the 2027 AAGP Annual Meeting: “Connecting and Collaborating to Advance Geriatric Mental Health.” This theme reflects the very heart of our organization and the work we do together every day.
Thank you for the trust and privilege of serving as your President. I look forward to working alongside all of you in the coming year.
With gratitude,
Shilpa Srinivasan, MD, DFAPA, DFAAGP
President, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry