All health professionals are encouraged to join AAAP. Members experience a personal and welcoming environment where they have the opportunity to meet new colleagues, learn from thought leaders and contribute to an ever-expanding dialogue.
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) is proud to launch a new interview series documenting the voices and experiences of the pioneers who helped shape the field of Addiction Psychiatry.
Hosted by AAAP President Dr. Tim Fong, this series preserves the history of the specialty through conversations with the individuals whose leadership, vision, and dedication laid the foundation for today’s Addiction Psychiatry community.
Tim Fong, MD
AAAP President
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA
Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program
September 23, 2026
In this interview, Dr. Fong speaks with Dr. Marc Galanter, a former president of AAAP, about his career and contributions to the development of Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Galanter reflects on the early days of the field, his role in advancing Addiction Psychiatry as a medical subspecialty, and his pioneering research on 12-Step programs and recovery. He also shares insights into how addiction treatment and education have evolved and the importance of bridging medical and community-based approaches to recovery.
Marc Galanter, MD
Research Professor of Psychiatry
NYU School of Medicine
August 14, 2026
In this interview, Dr. Fong speaks with Dr. Edward Kaufman, one of the founders and early presidents of AAAP, about the organization’s origins and the evolution of Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Kaufman reflects on his early career, pioneering work in addiction treatment and research, and the development of Addiction Psychiatry as a distinct field.
Edward Kaufman, MD
Retired Professor of Psychiatry,
University California, Irvine
August 6, 2026
In this interview, Dr. Fong speaks with Dr. Richard Francis, one of AAAP’s founding presidents, about the organization’s origins and the evolution of Addiction Psychiatry over the past four decades.
This conversation is the first in an ongoing series featuring AAAP founders, past presidents, and other influential leaders whose stories offer valuable insight into the history, growth, and future of Addiction Psychiatry.
Richard Frances, FACP, MD
Emeritus President and Medical, Director of Silver Hill Hospital
Adjunct Professor, Rutgers medical school
In this candid conversation, AAAP President Tim Fong, MD and AAAP AMA Liaison Alena Balasanova, MD share key takeaways from the 2026 American Medical Association’s (AMA) Annual Meeting and discuss how AAAP members can help shape the future of healthcare policy.
This conversation highlights:
- AAAP’s participation in the AMA House of Delegates
- Recent addiction-related policy initiatives
- Advocacy opportunities for addiction psychiatrists
- The importance of physician leadership in shaping healthcare policy
- Ways AAAP members, residents, fellows, and medical students can become engaged
Discover how organized medicine influences the future of addiction treatment and why AAAP’s voice matters.
Whether you’re a trainee, early-career psychiatrist, or seasoned advocate, this discussion offers valuable insight into how organized medicine advances the interests of physicians and patients alike.
Watch the recap and learn how you can get involved.
Speakers:
Tim Fong, MD
AAAP President
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA
Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program
Alena A. Balasanova, MD
AAAP Education Committee Co-Chair
AAAP Delegate to the AMA
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Translating Science. Transforming Lives.
As relentless advocates for individuals with substance use disorders and mental health disorders, AAAP members are committed to transforming lives using evidenced-based practices to continually improve clinical approaches and outcomes for their patients.
For specialists in Addiction Psychiatry, general psychiatrists, primary care providers, researchers, medical students and other health care professionals, AAAP is a caring and engaging group of like-minded professionals who are leading experts in translating work from the laboratory to solutions in the real world.
Members appreciate being welcomed into a collegial environment where they have the opportunity to meet new colleagues, learn from thought leaders and contribute their own knowledge to an ever-expanding dialogue.
As the leading source for the latest evidenced-based research in addictions, AAAP provides an ideal forum for health professionals to expand their skills through certification and continuing education programs in the field of Addiction Psychiatry.
For members of the general public whose lives are touched by the challenges of substance use and its frequent link to other mental health disorders, AAAP is an accessible source for hope and insights into the science behind the latest clinical approaches and a better understanding of the complex issues of addiction.