Goals and Objectives for the Psychiatry Clerkship


      Goals

  • To better understand normal and pathological development including biological, behavioral, and population issues
  • To develop the ability to evaluate a patient for a psychiatric disorder
  • To develop the ability to provide basic treatment for psychiatric disorders

      Objectives:

        Knowledge:

  • Describe the components of the psychiatric history and the mental status examination
  • Identify the common behavioral syndromes occurring throughout the lifespan
  • Identify the major psychiatric disorders occurring throughout the lifespan
  • Recognize and evaluate patients with substance abuse and/or dependence
  • Assess patients with significant behavioral symptoms and/or syndromes
  • Demonstrate competence in the recognition of patients with significant pathology
  • Recognize patients with sleep, eating and sexual disorders
  • Recognize maladaptive traits and patterns that typify personality disorders
  • Summarize the indications, mechanisms of action, common side effects and drug interactions of psychotropic medications
  •  Demonstrate the ability to select and use psychotropic medications in the treatment of behavioral disorders
  • Describe and demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of psychosocial therapies for behavioral disorders
  • Discuss the fundamentals of suicide (epidemiology, evaluation and management)
  • Describe the components of the DSMIV diagnostic system

Skills:

  • Carries out a psychiatric interview and evaluation
  • Competently performs a mental status examination
  • Presents a psychiatric patient in a coherent and concise manner
  • Relates to patients in a respectful, empathic and psychotherapeutic manner
  • Applies the DSMIV diagnostic system to patients (uses the five axes)
  •  Performs a competent physical exam
  • Interprets laboratory values and diagnostic procedures      

Attitudes and Behaviors:

  • Behaves toward others in a compassionate, empathic and respectful manner
  • Relates to patients in a psychotherapeutic manner
  • Develops the ability to recognize one’s own personal emotional strengths and weaknesses
  • Accepts appropriate responsibility
  • Demonstrates honesty in behavior and interactions
  • Shows an interest in the material and willingness to learn
  • Arrives punctually for appointments, sessions, seminars, and other events