A total of 72 members gave input to the MPS via the annual survey that helps guide how committees, Council, and staff work over the next year. This number is 50% of the response rate from 2024 when 134 responded. The results represent 10% of the membership.

CME
Members shared nearly 50 CME needs, with psychopharmacology-related topics by far the most frequently requested. There were also a number of requests for programs on ADHD in adults, substance use disorders, and ethics. 91% percent of respondents indicated they would attend a psychopharmacology update. The next most desired topic was management of psychiatric disorders in pregnant patients, followed by borderline personality disorders.

Legislation and Advocacy
The 2025 survey polled six priorities for legislation and advocacy. Three were ranked higher than the rest, with Scope of Practice scoring the highest for member priority. Access to Equitable, Quality Care and Reimbursement/Parity were also ranked highly, with Access to Equitable, Quality Care chosen more frequently as the top priority. These were followed by Licensure Requirements/Mandatory Training. Outpatient Commitment/Involuntary Treatment was ranked next and Addressing Social Determinants of Health was lowest. While the surveys are not directly comparable, this year’s respondents put a higher priority on Scope of Practice compared with the 2024 results. Additionally, members requested a wide range of issues to address legislatively, frequently mentioning prior authorization, protecting Medicaid, and federal regulations.

Telehealth Check In
44% of respondents are not at all concerned about possibly need an in-person visit to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, 33% are concerned, and 23% are very concerned.

The Maryland Psychiatrist
Respondents shared that The Maryland Psychiatrist is most useful for staying up to date on the psychiatric community and hearing from MPS members. Recommended topics for articles included member profiles, clinical information, and community resources within Maryland. [Members interested in submitting articles to be published can email mps@mdpsych.org.]

Practicing Psychiatry in Maryland
This year, the survey asked members what the biggest problems they face as a psychiatrist practicing in Maryland are. The majority of responses included low insurance reimbursement and scope creep. Other issues included medication denials from insurance, bed shortages, and lack of higher-level care programs.

Improving Diversity
As part of the MPS initiatives to address structural racism and inclusion, the survey asked members for their ideas about other ways the organization can improve diversity. Many respondents suggested more diversity in leadership, educational programs focused on diversity, and direct personal outreach. Additionally, the survey asked how MPS can better support the needs of its IMG members. Many respondents did not have an answer. Some suggestions included having more specific IMG news as well as recognizing current members’ contribution in the MPS News. Increasing IMG members’ involvement in committees and in leadership positions as well as more focused recruitment of IMG individuals was also recommended.

Increasing and Retaining Members
MPS received ideas from 34 members about how to increase and retain members. Responses ranged from decreasing dues to more individual contact from Executive Committee and Council members. Ideas also included focusing on Early-Career Psychiatrist engagement, hosting more CME programs, and more varied ways of communicating with members/recruitment of new members.

Satisfaction and Value
Overall, 87% of respondents are satisfied with the MPS (44% very satisfied), while 10% are neutral, 1% are unsatisfied. The rates of satisfaction are slightly higher than 2024. Respondents indicated the member benefits that are most important. Again this year, influencing how psychiatry is practiced in Maryland received the highest total, followed by the MPS News and MPS CME activities, each receiving 63% of responses. Legislative reports and representation with state government came next followed by the MPS Listserv and “having a place to turn to with questions” each with similar totals. Benefits that received a moderate response were APA membership, networking events/meetings, The Maryland Psychiatrist, and MPS committees and interest groups. Consistent with results in recent years, Online Find a Psychiatrist and Patient referrals were least important to respondents.

Satisfaction with the APA
The 2025 survey also asked members about their level of satisfaction with the APA. Overall, 47% of respondents are satisfied with the APA (11% very satisfied), while 47% are neutral, 5% are unsatisfied, and 1.5% are very unsatisfied. Additionally, members were asked how the APA can increase or retain members. Many responses included reducing fees, better promoting APA’s benefits, and having a louder voice in legislation/communicating these efforts with members.

How MPS Can Better Serve Members
Respondents gave feedback about what they want the MPS to do in the future. Many said keep up the good work. Other very frequent responses included:
• Advocacy and work with state government
• Increase CME programming
• Continue sharing practical information in MPS News and through email
• Provide legislative updates

Respondent Characteristics
49% private practice (vs 43% last year), of which 75% are solo, 18% academic (vs 23%), 3% private/public (vs 13%) and 20% public sector (vs 12%). 5% were retired compared with 5% last year.

6% 1-5 years of practice, 11% 6-10 years, 23% 11-20 years, 60% over 20 and 2% still in training. These demographics indicate less participation from younger members compared to 2024.

79% Central Maryland, 6% DC Suburbs, 1.5% Western Maryland, 3% Eastern Shore, and of the rest many are in Central MD.

Click here for the complete survey results.