6th New Jersey Psychiatric Association Psychiatrists In-Service Event Reflection
As part of PRMS’ ongoing commitment to behavioral health, we invited Dr. Mariel Nepa, PGY-2 Psychiatry Resident at the AtlantiCare Psychiatry Residency Training Program in Atlantic City, NJ, to be featured as a guest blogger this month. Dr. Nepa reflects on her journey of becoming a psychiatrist and experience participating in the 2025 Psychiatrists In-Service event hosted by the New Jersey Psychiatric Association in Atlantic City, NJ, on April 26, which PRMS was pleased to support.
Embracing the Emotional Core of Medical Care
My journey toward choosing psychiatry as a specialty was not a straightforward one. I entered medical school without a clear vision of pursuing psychiatry, but that changed during my third year on a NICU rotation. I was caring for an infant with necrotizing enterocolitis and found myself deeply involved in supporting the mother as she faced an impossible decision—whether to transfer her baby to a higher-acuity facility with uncertain outcomes or allow her child to pass naturally. I encouraged her to consider the transfer, reminding her that peace of mind often comes from knowing you did everything possible. That moment showed me the profound emotional burden carried by patients and families and highlighted the essential role of mental health support. It was a turning point that made me realize treating the mind is just as vital as treating the body. Now, as a second-year psychiatry resident, I remain deeply fulfilled by the privilege of supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments. Psychiatry has proven to be not just a profession, but a calling.
Finding Purpose and Community in the NJ Psychiatric Association
My passion for psychiatry has only grown through my involvement with the New Jersey Psychiatric Association (NJPA), which I was introduced to by my advisor and current NJPA President-elect, Dr. Brian Isaacson. His enthusiasm for the organization's mission—advocacy, mentorship, and camaraderie—was inspiring and led me to become actively involved. I began by serving as the Resident Workgroup representative for the AtlantiCare Psychiatry Residency and am honored to now be transitioning into the role of Liaison for the Resident Council on Advocacy. Most recently, I had the privilege of helping host the 6th Annual Resident In-Service event on Saturday, April 26, at my home training site—AtlantiCare’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Atlantic City, NJ. The event was especially meaningful, as it took place in the very community I’ve called home for the past 30 years. It was incredibly rewarding to collect non-perishable items and help assemble over 100 donation bags for our most vulnerable patients.
The event also highlighted the essential services offered by FQHC, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, and substance use treatment. The center holds Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition and was the first FQHC in New Jersey to offer addiction treatment, including Subutex. Being part of this event reaffirmed my belief in the power of integrated care and reminded me why I chose psychiatry. Mental health is deeply interconnected with every facet of well-being, and addressing it requires a commitment to community engagement and compassionate care.
Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health Through Community Action
Homelessness, financial instability, and limited social supports are powerful social determinants that intensify the challenges of living with mental illness. Research shows that individuals who are experiencing homelessness are up to three times more likely to suffer from serious mental illness compared to the general population. One in four low-income adults reports frequent mental distress, and those without stable social support face increased risks of psychiatric hospitalization and poorer outcomes. Recognizing these realities, we organized a donation drive during the In-Service event to provide immediate support to those in need. We assembled over 100 donation bags filled with deodorant, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a mental health resource flyer to help connect individuals with local services. Our goal was to ease daily burdens and demonstrate that care extends far beyond the clinic walls.
Building Camaraderie and Connection Among Current and Future Psychiatrists
The In-Service event itself was both energizing and inspiring. We were welcomed with a guided tour of the FQHC by Ms. Sandy Festa, a dedicated social worker who has championed patient-centered care there for the past 30 years. Her passion for the community set the tone for the day. The turnout was phenomenal—ranging from enthusiastic first-year medical students to psychiatry residents who traveled more than two hours to participate. In a profession that can sometimes feel isolating, the energy in the room was filled with camaraderie, support, and shared purpose. Students, residents, and attendings came together to assemble donation bags, build connections, and enjoy a delicious meal from Carluccio’s. The NJPA, with the generous support of PRMS, its platinum partner, was thrilled with the success of the event, which exceeded expectations and resulted in more donation bags than had been anticipated.
Undoubtedly, the path of psychiatry demands emotional strength and deep empathy as we support individuals navigating crises that often extend beyond medicine alone. This event offered a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—coming together not only as clinicians, but as a united community committed to advocacy, healing, and hope.
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