Psychological Studies of Art and Artists

We gather to connect and celebrate each other’s creativity, strength, and unique brilliance while earning continuing education credits.

Our Mission

AIMED is a Non-Profit educational organization dedicated to providing continuing education for the general medical community and the interested layperson. Our audience is primarily, but not limited to, mental health and psychiatric care providers.

AIMED's presentations incorporate psychological theories, clinical techniques, the concepts of creativity, resilience, and burnout and provide information regarding the application of different treatment modalities.

We aim to expand the participants' awareness of mental health conditions by providing information on creativity and how it applies to mental health. Our goal is to educate the learner to understand better, recognize, diagnose, and, when appropriate, treat different psychological and mental health conditions, improving patient care and clinical outcomes.

The American Institute of Medical Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. In January 2024 Amy Panter Vail, Psy.D. became the Executive Director. Jacqueline Berz Panter, BA, MA and Barry M. Panter, MD, Ph.D. are the Senior Advisors. The Institute was founded in 1981 by the late Mary Lou Panter, RN and Barry Panter, MD, Ph.D.

Testimonials

Testimonials

Click the arrows below, or swipe right if you are on your phone, to see all of the testimonials.

  • "This conference has reenergized my focus on abundant optimism in my practice. The conference is a safe gathering where professionals can laugh and cry about the walk of life and health care. The exploration of the struggles that the creative and the courage for resilience of us all is important."

    - Anne Newhouse

  • "The diversity of topics and presentations broaden knowledge and understanding in so many ways that what gets shared in my professional life will likely be as diversely shared as has been this extraordinary conference."

    - Barbara Chapman

  • “I’ve heard many of us speak of our trip as transformative- it certainly has for me. I returned with a fierce resolve to make some changes in my life. Not quite sure what that will exactly look like, but it is quite cool to embrace the mystery.”

    -Dave G.

  • "As always the most important impact of this conference is how it inspires me to delve more deeply, be more curious, and take more risks with my own creative projects!"

    -Claire Von Karls

  • "I felt enriched by the relevant variety of content and the particularly effective presentation of especially some of the speakers."

    -Jo Anne Fox Avnet

  • "It was personally enhancing and the sense of intellectual stimulation and broadened horizons will impact my life and practice."

    -Ronald Levin

  • "Each time I attend Creativity & Madness Conferences, I come away feeling both professionally and humanly renewed. Know how deeply appreciative I am of all your efforts in creating these marvelous gatherings for us."

    -Susan Rosewell-Jackson, Ph.D

  • “I know of no other group/institute that shines the light of perception, gratitude and love in the universe the way AIMED does. It certainly changed my life in a way that was profound and centered…..and the truths I first saw in Van Gogh, Munch, Chagall (Barry, Joe Natterson et al) and others there have been steady and a “fall back” position for my PTSD through four wars we probably shouldn’t have been in..So great to share the journey with you guys!"

    -Ronald E Smith, MD, Ph.D.

  • “Coming to the Conferences I have been touched by so many in the healing professions or artistic community who are wholeheartedly committed to the well-being of others and to the use of their gifts in the service of that well-being. I know that this has made me a better Counselor, better Spiritual Guide and better person. There is no way that what I pay to come to the Conference can cover what I have received. My offering to you and to the presenters who have given me so much is to aspire to their excellence and to the love they embody.”

    -Gail Meyer

  • “Creativity and Madness opened new ways for us to be create our own Art. The conferences taught us a way to look at the Souls and Psychology of people who must create, sometimes at great personal cost."

    -Elizabeth & Clem Nagel, Ph.D. and MD

  • “Great conference! This is my 5th, and each one is better than the last (and the previous ones were all wonderful, too)! A unique blend of studies in artists, mental illness, and using creativity to bring about health and healing.”

    — David Bookbinder, Author, "The Art Of Balance"

  • “I have attended many Creativity & Madness Conferences over the years. I get from them something that I can’t get anyplace else.”

    -David Hill, Ph.D.

  • “This is the most nourishing conference I have ever attended.”

    -Ruth Feldman

  • “How very much we enjoyed our time with you in Italy! You went above and beyond in every aspect of the trip. Your work behind the scenes smoothed the way for us in every possible way. Your attention to detail made it the trip of a lifetime, and gave us more than we could possibly have hoped for or imagined. I can’t thank you enough for your selfless devotion and efforts on our behalf, to provide us with the best experience possible. It was a gift for our minds, bodies, and souls. With great admiration and gratitude.”

    -Nancy & Vincent Zinke

  • “I'm so grateful to be able to come back...being in Santa Fe and attending the conference refreshes every cell in my being!”

    - Kate Marshall

  • “This was my first time attending the Creativity and Madness conference and I must say it was such a refreshing experience! It provided both research and facts on a plethora of subjects, but more importantly it was a deep EXPERIENCE for me. Like a pebble in a pond, the ripple affects will reverberate out - my own deep experience will expand into my work with clients and the art that I create. I also love the legacy behind the Creativity and Madness conference - designed by a man who thought outside the box decades ago, to today seeing his children and grandchildren continuing this legacy. Thank you for offering this beautifully deep training that at times touched my soul. You are making a difference in this world.”

    - Patti Smith

  • “Aside from my enjoyment and benefit professionally, it was likely the most enriching conference I have ever attended. I was simply captivated.”

    - Sally Peterson

  • “The conference was so incredible, great speakers, super organized, and a delight!!!! I am sooo grateful that I was able to be there!!”

    - Nancy Olsen

  • “Great conference, really appreciate all the effort that went into it!”

    - Marie Krebs

  • “Thank you very much for your professionalism and kindness. Conference was greatly organized! Attendees were welcomed and appreciated .The atmosphere was scientifically minded and very pleasant. Thank you again!!!!”

    - Inna Kogan

  • “Thank you all so much. It was another great conference. Thanks to everyone for all your work. I hope to see you live next year!”

    - Adrienne Amundsen

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