Mission & History

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• Providing fellowship and support for the health and quality of life of our members
• Promoting interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary communication, networking, and cooperation
• Contributing to, analyzing, and disseminating scientific knowledge
• Applying this scientific knowledge in professional practice to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients and to enhance the welfare of the greater community

The original Charlotte Psychiatric Society was born in the early 1970’s from the regular monthly meetings of the Departments of Psychiatry of Charlotte Memorial Hospital (now part of Atrium) and Presbyterian Hospital (now part of Novant Health).  Membership of the two departments was identical, consisting of about 6-8 psychiatrists.  To conserve time the psychiatrists met the fourth Tuesday of each month for about an hour in the evening, alternating hospitals, and in rapid succession convened meetings of both staffs.  After the meeting most psychiatrists adjourned to a local restaurant for dinner and socialization.  Over time the decision to establish officers and dues ensued.  Later pharmaceutical companies actively solicited to sponsor the dinners and provide professional speakers.  In the 1990's, with the rapid changes in healthcare and unprecedented competition between the two hospitals, collegiality among physicians suffered.  Because of new ethics guidelines concerning marketing practices, pharmaceutical companies withdrew financial support for the monthly meetings.  Perhaps it was inevitable that the Charlotte Psychiatric Society dissolved from existence about 2000.

In January 2017, Dr. George H. Dornblazer decided to explore interest for re-establishing a psychiatric society.  He arranged a meeting on the evening of Thursday, May 11, and about 20 psychiatrists attended.  There was unanimous agreement to form a new society and name it the Charlotte Area Psychiatric Society.  Drs. John Hall, Samantha Suffren, Ankur Saraiya, and Fred Caudill volunteered to join Dr. Dornblazer in forming an executive committee.  Dr. Hall agreed to serve as president, Dr. Suffren as president-elect, Dr. Saraiya as treasurer, and Dr. Caudill as secretary.