Department of Psychiatry

Clerkship Philosophy

In order to adequately care for patients, all physicians must have basic knowledge of the human range of behavior and emotional expression. Physicians should be able to diagnose mental illness and appropriately treat or refer patients with these diseases. They should recognize the physical consequences of stress and anxiety in their patients. Physicians must appreciate the way in which each patient reacts to illness in order to work with the patient as an individual. This individualization of the patient enables the physician to maximize the patients' assets, enhance the doctor-patient relationship and deliver better and more effective care. Physicians must recognize behavior patterns which result in maladjustment and discomfort to the individual to be able to make appropriate referrals to other health care professionals and agencies. A basic goal of the Department of Psychiatry is to provide students with the opportunity to gain a firm foundation in psychiatry which will serve them in whatever fields of medicine they enter. The Department of Psychiatry hopes to provide a number of experiences in which each student can achieve the clerkship learning objectives. The student is responsible for learning; the faculty is responsible for providing the setting, the example and the guidance.

The clerkship is primarily an inpatient-based experience. Students will work with patients who are suffering from major mental illnesses and whose lives are so disrupted by emotional difficulties that they need the protective setting of the hospital. Students will gain experience in evaluation and diagnosis and in the use of a variety of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and the use of the hospital setting. Students will also work in the outpatient setting. Working in this setting, students will evaluate, diagnose and utilize a variety of modes of treatment for patients who can function in their life setting. Students will have the opportunity to observe many ways of providing help, including drugs, crisis intervention, short-term therapy and group therapy. Here they will work as members of a mental health team and learn the unique assets they and other members have to offer.

In addition, students will participate in educational activities such as Resource sessions with expert faculty geared to offer an arena for discussion of specific topics; Journal Club, Grand Rounds, Resident Conferences and lectures on a variety of psychiatric topics. There will also be staffings and rounds where case presentations by students will provide a focus for in-depth discussion about patient care.

Clerkship Staff

· Stephen Robinson, M.D.
Clerkship Director
E-mail: srobinson2@siumed.edu

Staci Becker, RN, MS
Nurse Educator
E-mail: sbecker@siumed.edu
Office Number: 545-7624
Cell: 341-8519
Room Number: 801 Rutledge, Room 3153

Michelle Blanshan
Clerkship Coordinator
E-mail: mblanshan@siumed.edu
Office Number: 545-7668
Room Number: 142

Clerkship Policies/SIUSOM Policies

· Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids

· Weather Policy

· Grade Review Process

· Student Work Hours

· Absence Policy

· Preliminary Report of Student Non-Cognitive Academic Preformance

Clerkship Objectives: