Shaping Future Leaders: EPA’s first Leadership Academy
The European Psychiatric Association (EPA) held the first-ever Leadership Academy, a landmark programme designed to equip psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists with both the knowledge and the practical skills needed to grow into leadership roles.
This inaugural Academy, a joint initiative of the Early Career Psychiatrists’ Committee and the Committee on Education, combined a blended approach of theoretical teaching and highly interactive exercises. Over the course of two full days, participants engaged in role-playing, group discussions, and reflective sessions where they were encouraged to share their own perceptions and difficulties—such as managing professional relationships during periods of change.
Faculty members worked closely with participants during the group sessions, creating a unique opportunity for direct interaction and mentoring. The dynamic structure of the Academy balanced lectures on leadership theories and ethical frameworks with hands-on practice and strategies for effective team management.
Among the many outcomes, participants highlighted:
- The chance to discuss real-life examples of psychiatric leadership
- Learning directly from experienced professionals as well as from peers
- Acquiring practical techniques that can be applied in daily clinical and organizational settings
- Connecting deeply with colleagues from different countries, exchanging experiences, and growing together through interactive sessions
This innovative format not only broadened participants’ professional horizons but also created a vibrant space for collaboration and mutual support. The Leadership Academy stands as a milestone in the EPA’s mission to empower the next generation of psychiatric leaders and strengthen their role in shaping clinical practice, academia, organizations, and advocacy.
