Inpatient/Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Psychiatry in Houston

Information about this clinical experience:

(Please note that this rotation will strictly be an observership) You will be under the supervision of a physician who is board-certified in psychiatry. The preceptor is actively involved in teaching family medicine residents from an HCA-affiliated residency program who spend time with the doctor in the outpatient practice. The physician holds hospital appointments at Memorial Hermann Southwest, West Oaks Hospital, and Houston Behavioral Hospital.

On most days of the rotation, you will be spending time in the inpatient mental health units of several hospitals. As you observe encounters between the preceptor and hospitalized patients with acute psychiatric illness, you will see how interviews and mental status examinations are performed in patients in crisis. Discussions following these encounters will help you improve your abilities to develop differential diagnoses and select appropriate tests. You will learn how assessments and plans are made using a bio-psycho-social model. On the inpatient units:

• You will observe how psychiatrists care for patients with psychiatric disorders in a respectful manner.

• You will observe effective communication strategies and professional behaviors between psychiatrists and patients, families, and staff.

• You will learn the major DSM-IV signs and symptoms for Bipolar Disorder, Delirium, Dementia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Abuse & Dependence, and Substance Intoxication & Withdrawal.

• You will learn the indications, mechanism of action, and adverse effects of psychoactive medications.

• You will learn about the medico-legal aspects related to involuntary hospitalization and the importance of confidentiality.

You will also be able to observe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). You will learn about the indications for this treatment, how patients are evaluated for this procedure, how the procedure is performed by a team of trained professionals, and side effects as well as safety concerns. To prepare for this aspect of the rotation, read the following:

Exploring Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatry

In the outpatient clinic, you will observe the evaluation and management of patients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders.

Please note that this is a fast-paced rotation that will expose you to a wide range of psychiatric disorders in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Although you may have some opportunities to ask patients questions, this rotation is best classified as an observership.