Appropriate readings suggested, ongoing case presentations, and lectures at BCM serve to round out the experience. Offered each quarter. This elective provides students with extensive experience in evaluating and treating patients in various outpatient settings. Teaching focuses on improving student's skills in evaluation of and treatment planning for psychiatric outpatients. Students experience firsthand the efficacies of outpatient pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
Students receive immediate feedback and supervision of interviewing and patient care skills.
Students participate in several case conferences where residents and faculty present and discuss outpatient psychiatric assessments and management plans. The elective also offers the opportunity for students to follow patients over time in psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, an experience seldom afforded them in their medical education. Offered each quarter. The student should also acquire skills in communicating information about psychiatric diagnosis and treatment to the patient, family and medical team. In addition to clinical activities, the student attends Grand Rounds and other pertinent conferences.