Why Become an APA Fellow?
Being a Fellow is an honorary designation that was created by the APA Membership Committee and Board of Trustees to recognize early career members who have demonstrated allegiance to their profession and commitment to the on-going work of the Association.
Most members who pursue Fellow status perceive it as one of the first steps to enhancement of their professional creditials. Fellows are recognized by their colleagues in the Association as a member of a very select group.
Fellows are permitted to use the FAPA designation on all their professional documentation.
Criteria and Recognition for Fellows
- Five consecutive years as an APA General Member
- ABPN, RCPS, or AOA certification
- Three letters of recommendation from APA Fellows or Distinguished Fellows
- Concurrence by the OPPA
- APA Fellowship Application
Members who meet criteria of Fellows will be notified by the APA that they are eligible to apply for the category of Fellow of the APA. All newly appointed Fellows are publicly recognized at the Convocation of Fellows and Distinguished Fellows, which is held every year during the APA's Annual Meeting. In addition, Fellows receive a lapel pin as a symbol of their status and an embossed Fellow certificate to display with pride in their office.
Why Become an APA Distinguished Fellow?
Distinguished Fellowship is a national honor awarded by the American Psychiatric Association to psychiatrists who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the profession and the community. Excellence, not mere competence, is the hallmark of the potential Distinguished Fellow.
All members who meet the first criteria of eight years as a General Member should watch for notification from the OPPA early in the year. The letter will contain instructions on how to obtain a nomination form. Information must fit into the boxes as formatted on the form or continued as an addendum on a separate page(s). The page(s) should be entitled "Addendum" and include the name of nominee, the number of the item, and "continued", followed by the rest of the information (see the sample completed form).
Criteria for Distinguished Fellowship
- Not less than eight years as an APA General Member
- Primary identification must be psychiatry for those in combined fields (e.g., psychiatry and pediatrics)
- Significant contributions in at least five of the areas listed below:
1. Certification by the ABPH, RCPS, or APA;
2. Involvement in the work of the district branch or other components of the APA;
3. Involvement in other medical and professional organizations;
4. Participation in non-compensated mental health and medical activities of social significance;
5. Participation in community activities unrelated to income-producing activities;
6. Clinical contributions;
7. Administrative contributions;
8. Teaching contributions;
9. Scientific and scholarly publications
- Three letters of recommendation from APA Distringuished Fellows
Letters should address how the candidate has met and exceeded specific sections of the criteria. Those asked to write letters of support should be given a copy of The Guidelines for Election to Distinguished Fellowship. Copies of sample letters are available: Sample Letter #1; Sample Letter #2; Sample Letter #3. All original documentation (nomination form and letters of support) must be submitted to the local Chapter for their endorsement. The Chapters must submit the originals to the OPPA by the deadline indicated. Plese contact your local chapter president to determine the deadline for your particular Chapter.