Exposing medical students to child and adolescent psychiatry: a case-based seminar.

OBJECTIVE

Despite a documented shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, few studies have examined whether including child and adolescent psychiatry didactics in a medical school curriculum can stimulate appreciation and interest among students, possibly leading more students to choose careers in this specialty.

METHODS

The authors surveyed third-year medical students at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University regarding their reactions to a 3-hour case-based seminar on child and adolescent psychiatry topics recently implemented as part of the general psychiatry clerkship.

RESULTS

Student ratings reflected a positive view of the field and many students reported an increased likelihood of considering the specialty as a career after the seminar. In addition, students desired increased exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry while in medical school.

CONCLUSION

Medical schools may consider providing students with increased exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry as this may encourage more future physicians to enter the field.