“Walking into Schloss Arenberg after twelve years was a little like coming home, including seeing old friends and colleagues,” explained faculty member Dr. Susan Evans happily after returning to this week’s psychiatry seminar since her last participation in 2014. Dr. Evans was part of a cohort of six dedicated faculty members who were eager to share their knowledge and expertise with the 35 fellows from 25 diverse home countries.
We were honored to once again team up with experts from two renowned institutions to host the annual psychiatry seminar from June 7 to 13, 2026. The seminar is part of a three-year curriculum, with rotating topics. This year focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, treatment of PTSD, psychodynamic psychotherapy, combining treatments (psychotherapy and medication), as well as supportive and relaxation therapies.
The course was led by course director Dr. John W. Barnhill from Weill Cornell Medicine and co-course director Dr. W. Wolfgang Fleischhacker from the Medical University of Innsbruck. The course director was present for the 11th time, and the co-course director for the 20th time. These impressive numbers showcase their commitment to the OMI programs. The remainder of the cohort consisted of Dr. Marina Benaur, Dr. Marc Dubin, Dr. Susan Evans, and Dr. Alison Hermann from Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Evans was present for the seventh time, Dr. Dubin for the fifth time, Dr. Hermann for the second time, and Dr. Benaur for the first time.
The seminar focused on an array of psychiatric treatments. Fellows learned about pharmacologic strategies and psychotherapies as well as how to work with special populations, such as people with specific diagnoses (treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder), as well as women going through pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. The diverse group of fellows and faculty was spirited and participatory, within the classroom, during meals, and after classes had let out for the day.
Faculty member Dr. Evans is Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she is Director of Education in Psychology. Her research has focused primarily on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness approaches for physical and psychological conditions. The expert was last at the OMI in 2014, and now, twelve years later, she reminisces about what has changed and what has stayed the same over the years.
“I have become aware of the advancement in the level of English fluency and knowledge base in the fellows, but I actually saw more similarities than differences since being here in 2014. While the program has expanded its reach to countries including Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the pure essence of the seminars remains the same. By that I mean, the fellows continue to arrive with a high level of engagement and enthusiasm. It is for this reason that I have returned to Salzburg so many times. Also familiar is the dedicated and helpful staff who contribute so much to an overall positive experience.
There is one change that I do want to mention. Since I was last here, Dr. John Barnhill took over the reins from Dr. Michael Sacks as course director. Dr. Sacks is a formidable act to follow, but Dr. Barnhill has done so with grace and competence,” she stated.
The interactive workshops were the highlight for many of the fellows. One session centered on cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) and one on mindfulness, both led by Dr. Evans. During the CBT workshop, the participants worked on four core skills: self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and relaxation training. The mindfulness session focused on mindful breathing, mindful eating, a self-compassion break, and a body scan.
Paulius Balčiūnas, MD
OMI fellow from Lithuania
“The lecture on bipolar disorder reminded us that, as psychiatrists, we sometimes place too much emphasis on medication, while psychotherapy can also play a crucial role in preventing relapse. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy was presented as an effective intervention, one that I have not yet incorporated into my own clinical practice.”
Emma Guadalupe Fajardo Zubieta, MD
OMI fellow from Mexico
“The lectures and interactive workshops focused on mindfulness and relaxation exercises were my highlight. I loved the valuable advice we received and the practical techniques we learned. Mindfulness is a method that I will definitely incorporate into my patients’ care for a more holistic approach.”
Sevdalina Kandilarova, MD, DPhil
OMI fellow from Bulgaria
“I loved the atmosphere of trust and inspiration that I rarely encounter in everyday clinical work. I felt part of an international community of colleagues who face similar challenges yet remain curious, compassionate, and committed to learning, and this feeling will stay with me long after the seminar has ended.”
