2026 MPS Member Survey Results
A total of 87 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 121% of the response rate from 2025 when 72 responded. The results represent 12% of the membership.
CME
Members shared nearly 60 CME needs, with psychopharmacology-related topics by far the most frequently requested. There were also a number of requests for programs on both ADHD and OCD in adults and the use AI in psychiatry. 88% 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 medical ethics.
Legislation and Advocacy
The 2026 survey polled seven 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. These were followed by Licensure Requirements/Mandatory Training and Addressing Social Determinants of Health. Outpatient Commitment/Involuntary Treatment was ranked next, and Workforce Development Initiatives was lowest. Similar to the 2025 survey, this year’s respondents put a higher priority on Scope of Practice compared to the other legislative and advocacy priorities. Additionally, members requested a wide range of issues to address legislatively, frequently mentioning technology/AI and relationships with Nurse Practitioners.
This year, the survey asked, “What do you think is the most important legislative priority affecting psychiatry for the MPS Legislative Committee to focus on?” 62 members shared priorities for the MPS Legislative Committee to focus on with an overwhelming amount emphasizing scope of practice. Other frequent responses included preauthorization, availability of psychiatric hospital beds, and access to affordable care.
MPS Election
67% of respondents indicated that they voted in the 2026 MPS Election while 27% said they did not and 6% were unsure. Of those who did not vote, 32% didn’t see the email/reminders/didn’t know about election, 28% forgot, 28% didn’t have time or had no interest, and 12% didn’t understand the voting process.
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 encouraging more involvement of ECP members.
Practicing Psychiatry in Maryland
Members were asked what the biggest problems they face as a psychiatrist practicing in Maryland. Responses varied with many mentioning insurance difficulties like poor reimbursement. Other responses included the low pay relative to cost of living in the state, prior authorizations, and scope of practice overreach.
The Maryland Psychiatrist
Recommended topics for articles in The Maryland Psychiatrist included member profiles, the history of MPS and its impact on the community, and legislative updates. [Members interested in submitting articles to be published can email mps@mdpsych.org.]
MPS Social Media Platforms
Members were asked to indicate which of the MPS social media platforms they have interacted with—MPS Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, WhatsApp. The MPS Website and LinkedIn are the platforms member visited with the most, 68% and 25% respectively. 17% have interacted with the MPS Facebook and 11% with Instagram. Less than 2% have visited the MPS Twitter/X page.
Satisfaction and Value
Overall, 88% of respondents are satisfied with the MPS (45% very satisfied), while 11% are neutral, 1% are unsatisfied. The rates of satisfaction are the same as 2025. Respondents indicated the member benefits that are most important. Again this year, influencing how psychiatry is practiced in Maryland received the highest total (60%) followed by MPS CME activities (56%) and Legislative reports and representation with state government (52%). “Having a place to turn to with questions” came next followed by the MPS Listserv and networking events/meetings with similar totals. Benefits that received a moderate response were The Maryland Psychiatrist, MPS committees and interest groups, and APA membership. Consistent with results in recent years, Online Find a Psychiatrist and Patient referrals were least important to respondents.
Satisfaction with the APA
The 2026 survey also asked members about their level of satisfaction with the APA. Overall, 54% of respondents are satisfied with the APA (11% very satisfied), while 33% are neutral, 8% are unsatisfied, and 5% are very unsatisfied.
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:
- In-person/live networking and social events
- Advocacy and legislative work including encouraging the APA to have a stronger voice at the federal level
- Increase CME programming
- Continued communication via email
Respondent Characteristics
46% private practice (vs 49% last year), of which 67% are solo, 16% academic (vs 18%), 7% private/public (vs 3%) and 19% public sector (vs 20%). 7% were retired compared with 5% last year.
9% 1-5 years of practice, 6% 6-10 years, 19% 11-20 years, 62% over 20 and 4% still in training. These demographics indicate more participation from younger members compared to 2025.
80% Central Maryland, 11% DC Suburbs, 3% Western Maryland, 0% Eastern Shore, and 0% Southern Maryland.