The German College for Psychosomatic Medicine (DKPM) - A Brief Overview

Psychosomatic medicine devotes itself to the research, treatment and prevention of illnesses. It particularly focuses on the interaction of mental, physical and social factors relating to illness onset and progression.

Scientific psychosomatic medicine has a long and successful history, particularly in Germany, with milestones such as the foundation of independent psychosomatic clinics, university clinics, or psychosomatic university departments after WW II. These contributed significantly to the outpatient and inpatient care of patients. Research has focused on the interaction of physical, psychological, and social aspects of illnesses. The German Council for Psychosomatic Medicine (DKPM) was founded as a registered association in 1974. DKPM’s goal is to further the advancements of psychosomatic medicine with regard to research, training and patient care, and to foster international exchange.

DKPM invites anyone who is working in the psychosomatic field to become a member. It provides a forum for the exchange of clinical experience and scientific research. It supports continued education for all areas of psychosomatic medicine. DKPM addresses all professionals actively involved in psychosomatic medicine. In line with this interdisciplinary approach, DKPM members include physicians, psychologist and nurses, along with various other professions. DKPM organizes an annual conference. This conference always takes place at a different psychosomatic center in a German-speaking country. The conference is particularly popular, because it provides an opportunity for networking, scientific discussion and continuing education. Each year, the conference’s main theme pertains to an urgent and important topic of psychosomatic medicine, and is addressed in lectures and various symposiums. There are workgroups that meet on a regular basis to work on their particular subject. At the conference, latest research, selected from among all conference submissions by the scientific advisory council, is presented through papers and posters. Continuing education is also a big part of the annual conference. Every year, the Hans-Römer prize is awarded for outstanding scientific work in the area of psychosomatic medicine, along with the Adolf-Ernst-Meyer award for research in psychotherapy and other prizes for doctoral theses and posters.

Currently, DKPM has about 450 members. The board members are elected from within the members for a term of 3 years. The board runs DKPM and represents its interests in scientific and public forums.

The official publication of our association is called Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie - PPmP (Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology). It regularly publishes information about DKPM. In addition, the association keeps its members updated on important conferences, job postings etc. via e-mail. Anyone working within the field of psychosomatic medicine can become a member of DKPM. Some internationally renowned scientists, who have done outstanding work pertaining to DKPM’s goals, have been nominated honorary members.

Membership fees are currently EUR 135.00 (including subscription to PPmP) and are usually collected once a year via direct debit. Retired members and members under 35 are eligible for a discount.