by Dr. Pram Maldeniya – PGY 5

The CPA resident social took place on September 23rd 2016, between 7:30PM and 10 PM. Of course for several residents, the event lasted until the wee hours of the following morning!

It was a pleasure to see residents from across Canada gather around at the Brazen Head Irish Pub! We had most of the pub to ourselves, and were able to connect in a warm informal setting. I recollect making most merry over several platters of food and drink.

I particularly enjoyed meeting residents from all years. I enjoyed hearing from PGY1s who had just commenced their psychiatry training. I was awed at their sheer enthusiasm and energy. Psychiatry has a great future ahead!

Also, I enjoyed connecting with the older residents, some who were preparing for their last stand in residency. They were gearing up for their royal college exams, and they reminded me of Vikings feasting at the halls, before their journey to Valhalla.

As with most instances of merry making, bonds were forged. I got to hear about the trials and tribulations of residents throughout the country. They also shared their good times, and I enjoyed hearing about various experiences from hiking adventures in B.C to bacchanalian revelry in Toronto.

By the end of it all, I was struck by how privileged I am to belong to this professional collegial body. I felt the collective energy, knowledge, and passion kindle a fire in myself. I felt replenished and renewed. I felt ready to face the workplace elements and continue in fine form, until the next resident social!

Events such as these remind me of the value of engagement with the Canadian Psychiatric Association. As a collective whole, we can inspire each other, engage in national dialogue, and build bridges big and small.

We are family! As with most family gatherings, there are distant relatives who are unable to (or choose not to) attend. I hope to see the rest of my extended relatives, at our next social event. As a special incentive, I pledge to refrain from regaling others with stories of my research project, and other mediocre happenings.

Finally, we are most grateful for the generous contributions of University of Toronto, Western University, and McMaster. Their sponsorship helped to subsidize this event, and the never-ending supply of food platters.

We your resident executive, are especially grateful to those who attended this year! It wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you! I am looking forwards to the next resident social!