Description

You are assigned to one of the inpatient psychiatry services in the Generose Building at Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. The faculty for the program consists of the staff psychiatrist and the residents.

Specific goals

1. Expand basic understanding of psychiatry as a specialty area
2. Improve skills in establishing patient rapport, conducting psychiatric interviews, and identifying psychodynamic issues in psychopathology
3. Become familiar with the proper use of psychotropic medication and practical planning for management of the psychologically disturbed patient
4. Develop an appreciation for the value of a good working alliance with paramedical staff members

Activity outline

You are an integral part of the patient care team and are assigned to one of the four psychiatry services. Attendance at morning report and ward rounds with the assigned service is expected. Selected patients are assigned to students to maximize exposure to a variety of psychopathologies. Observation of daily group psychotherapy and participation in post-group discussions with the therapist is encouraged.

You function as the primary physician and, with supervision, are responsible for individual psychotherapy, medication management and the coordination of necessary medical evaluations. Collaboration with social workers or nurses and interviews with the family and spouse are important. Weekly clinical supervision is provided.

Method of evaluation

Toward the end of the elective, students conduct live patient interviews while being observed and have the opportunity to receive feedback about their interviewing styles. The staff psychiatrist also provides a performance review at the end of the elective.

Per Mayo Clinic institutional policy, faculty and residents/fellows will not complete any outside evaluations. You will be provided with an electronic performance evaluation via Mayo Clinic’s MedHub portal. A final summative evaluation will be sent to you and your school official upon completion of your clerkship.