Department of Psychiatry

Each Clerkship competencies can be View here.Note: Link will open in new browser window

Goals & Objectives

Conduct a history, physical and mental status exam
Formulate a multiaxial DSMIV differential diagnosis
Develop a provisional biopsychosocial treatment plan
Recommend psychopharmacologic agents based upon indications, contraindications and adverse effects
Apply concepts of pain management and palliative care to individual patients
Synthesize clinical information and literature resources in progress notes, patient-based research and educational presentations to peers
Evaluate and manage psychiatric emergencies
Demonstrate appropriate professional demeanor and ethics, and respect for patient's confidentiality

GOAL 1 – HISTORY, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND MSE

Perform a comprehensive history and physical examination leading to a presumptive diagnosis of physiologic and/or psychiatric illness. History should follow the format in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 addresses the interview process.

Specific objectives to be completed to fulfill this goal:

Demonstrate the ability to talk in an empathic fashion with patients who have emotional problems and/or psychiatric illness.
Demonstrate on a patient with emotional problems or illness, the ability to conduct a thorough psychiatric interview and obtain information that will lead to a formulation of the problem.
Demonstrate, in reference to a case in which the student has participated, the ability to detect medical illness in a patient presenting with psychiatric problems.
Demonstrate, in reference to a case in which the student has participated, the ability to detect emotional problems or psychiatric illness in a patient presenting with a physical problem.
Ability to perform a mini-mental status examination.

GOAL 2 – BE ABLE TO FORMULATE A DSMIV DIFFERENTIAL

DIAGNOSIS UTILIZING SEVERAL AXES AND TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORIES:

dementia, delirium and other mental disorders due to general medical condition
substance induced mental disorders
psychotic disorders
mood disorders
anxiety disorders
somatoform disorders
dissociative disorders
sexual disorders
adjustment disorders
personality disorders
substance abuse disorders
childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders
psychological factors affecting medical condition
movement disorders
sleep disorders
eating disorders
specific medical disorders which mimic psychiatric disorders

Students are required to keep a web-log of patient encounters

GOAL 3 – DEVELOP A TREATMENT PLAN

Based upon a presumptive diagnosis, develop an appropriate treatment plan including all aspects of the biopsychosocial model.

Specific objectives to be completed to fulfill this goal:

Describe the utilization of various modalities used in hospital office settings and agency settings to treat psychiatric patients including:

Psychotherapy, individual
Supportive
Psychodynamic
Behavioral
Cognitive
Group therapy
Milieu, activity and social therapies
Electroconvulsive therapy
Pharmacotherapy
Family therapy
AA, NA

Assess issues of compliance and how patients’ illness or family dynamics can impair this.
Utilization of appropriate work-up including lab tests, diagnostic radiology or consultation.

GOAL 4 – PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Learn about major classes of psychotropic medications, their indication, major contraindications and potential adverse effects. This includes the following categories of drugs:

Antipsychotic
Anti-anxiety
Mood stabilizers
Anti-depressants
Sedative hypnotics

Drugs which have significant psychiatric side effects

GOAL 5 – PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Evaluate and manage psychiatric emergencies.

Specific objectives to be completed to fulfill this goal:

Describe protocol for appropriately evaluating and managing the suicidal, homicidal or dangerous patient.
Recognize the need for assistance to family of patients in psychiatric crisis.
Recognize the potential value the family represents as a therapeutic modality in resolving psychiatric crisis.

GOAL 6 – WRITING SKILLS

Students will be required to do initial write-ups and subsequent progress notes on patients they follow on consultation/liaison, inpatient and/or outpatient services. This initial write-up should utilize the format provided in appendix 1. These notes will be discussed with an attending or resident who will provide feedback.

GOAL 7 – DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR AND ETHICS AND RESPECT FOR PATIENTS’ CONFIDENTIALITY

Learn to deal with patients who may evoke strong negative or positive feelings in an empathic, professional manner.

Learn how to obtain necessary information and provide feedback to referring physicians without violating patients’ confidentiality.

Learn to work with different members of the treatment team.

For more information, contact Viktoria Rile, Clerkship Coord. at 856-757-7853