43rd Annual Meeting Report

Society of Iranian Psychiatrists of North America (SIPNA)

43rd Annual Meeting Report

Date: May 22, 2025
Venue: Beverly Room, Westin Hotel, Los Angeles, California
Pre-Event Gathering: May 19, 2025, Flaming Steakhouse, Los Angeles

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Executive Summary
The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Iranian Psychiatrists of North America (SIPNA) convened on May 22, 2025, in Los Angeles, drawing together Iranian-origin psychiatrists, residents, and mental health professionals across the continent. Held at the prestigious Westin Hotel, the meeting celebrated four decades of sustained academic collaboration, cultural engagement, and organizational leadership within the Iranian diaspora community in North America. A convivial pre-gathering dinner on May 19 set the tone for a highly interactive session, reinforcing the society’s commitment to professional solidarity and cultural preservation.

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I. Virtual Activities Review (2024–2025)

Given the society’s adaptability during and beyond the pandemic, much of the year’s academic and cultural activities were successfully conducted via online platforms. Highlights included:

● Literature & Heritage:

○ September 2024: A powerful literary session on “Mardi Ke Zanash Ra Gom Kard” by Sadegh Hedayat, exploring themes of identity, existential loss, and exile.

○ December 2024: A seminar led by Dr. Ruhangiz Rahgani examining Color symbolism in ancient Iranian civilization, connecting psychological symbolism with Persian heritage.

● Cinema & Culture:

○ November 2024: Critical discourse on the cinematic work of Dariush Mehrjui, fostering reflection on societal themes in Iranian cinema.

○ March 2025: Acclaimed Iranian director Majid Majidi delivered an in-depth presentation on “The Color of Paradise,” exploring intersections between disability, divinity, and narrative filmmaking.

● Professional Development:

○ October 2024: A workshop by Dr. Sadabadi guiding young Iranian physicians through the North American residency application process, offering actionable steps and mentorship strategies.

These events demonstrated SIPNA’s commitment to multidisciplinary dialogue, integrating psychiatry, the humanities, and diaspora identity.

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II. Featured Presentations at the Annual Meeting

1. Dr. Stefan Simonian – Wilhelm Reich and Orgone Energy
Dr. Simonian’s keynote delved into Wilhelm Reich’s controversial theory of “orgone energy”, offering both historical context and contemporary critique. His Farsi translation of Reich’s primary work and announcements regarding a planned conference in Granada Hills, California, signal a unique cultural-intellectual bridge between psychoanalytic history and Iranian academic discourse.

2. Dr. Shahriar Barouti – Safety in Aviation and Healthcare Systems
Dr. Baruti, an Iranian-American physician and licensed pilot, presented a comparative safety analysis of the aviation and hospital sectors. The talk emphasized system-level resilience, error management, and institutional safeguards. A follow-up Zoom lecture is being scheduled to expand on these risk management strategies.

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III. Organizational and Governance Developments

1. Persian Heritage Caucus Initiative
Dr. Mirabdolazimi presented the ongoing efforts to formally establish a Persian Heritage Caucus within the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He confirmed the application remains under review for the next cycle. Dr. Abdulazimi was reaffirmed as the lead liaison and organizer for this culturally significant initiative.

2. Bylaw Revisions and Transparency
Dr. Arghavan Shafie has spearheaded a comprehensive review of SIPNA’s bylaws, addressing issues of transparency, leadership term structures, and inclusion. The Board of Trustees is currently evaluating the proposed amendments, with a general body vote scheduled for the upcoming quarter.

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IV. Legacy, Memory, and Intergenerational Wisdom
A proposal was enthusiastically endorsed to initiate an Oral History Project documenting SIPNA’s institutional memory. This project will bring together founding and long-standing members—Drs. Siassi, Kermani, Shami, Mirabi, Pahlava, and Nadjafi—in a recorded virtual roundtable reflecting on 43 years of SIPNA’s journey, from its founding ethos to contemporary evolution.

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V. Strategic Recommendations and Community Engagement

Several key recommendations emerged during member discussions:
A. Scheduling Flexibility
There was consensus to shift future virtual events to weekdays to better accommodate working psychiatrists in Canada and the U.S.
B. Media and Outreach Expansion
Members emphasized the need for robust social media engagement, recommending the creation of a SIPNA LinkedIn presence, podcast series, and Instagram updates to better connect with early-career professionals and psychiatry residents.
C. Younger Generations and Digital Inclusion
A call was made to intentionally include young Iranian-American and Iranian-Canadian psychiatry residents in SIPNA activities through mentorship programs, shadowing opportunities, and open Q&A forums.

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VI. Executive Committee Updates and Succession Planning

A. Current Executive Committee
● President: Dr. Nadjafi

● Past President: Dr. Pahlavan

● President-Elect: Dr. Gelyana

● Treasurer: Dr. Shamie

● Secretary: Dr. Mohamadzadeh

● Media Coordinator: Dr. Reza Eskandari

B. New Intern Appointment

● Dr. Mahghol Hamidi was unanimously approved as the new intern, reflecting SIPNA’s dedication to developing future leaders.

C. Future Leadership
● Dr. Atih Seif was suggested to be nominated as President-Elect for 2026. Her current involvement in executive committee discussions has already enriched strategic planning and communication frameworks.

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VII. Financial Report
Treasurer Dr. Shami presented the annual financial statement, affirming SIPNA’s sound fiscal position. Highlights included successful cost management during virtual programming and increased member donations toward the Oral History Project and the Persian Heritage Caucus.

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VIII. Action Items for 2025–2026
Priority Action
✅ Finalize the Persian Heritage Caucus proposal for APA review
✅ Complete board review of bylaw revisions and conduct a general vote
✅ Organize virtual seminar on Wilhelm Reich’s orgone energy
✅ Host follow-up talk with Dr. Barouti on healthcare/aviation safety
✅ Launch SIPNA Oral History Project with recorded leadership roundtable
✅ Explore weekday scheduling for virtual programming
✅ Increase digital outreach through social media and podcasts
✅ Integrate psychiatry residents in SIPNA programming

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Conclusion
The 43rd Annual Meeting marked a vibrant reaffirmation of SIPNA’s mission: to connect, educate, and uplift Iranian psychiatrists in North America through academic excellence, cultural heritage, and professional camaraderie. As the organization looks to the future, it continues to build bridges across generations, disciplines, and continents—ensuring that Iranian contributions to global mental health remain visible, valued, and visionary.