The role of research in academic psychiatric departments: a case study.

OBJECTIVE

The authors demonstrate the role that research can play in the development of an academic department of psychiatry.

METHOD

The authors explore the challenges and achievements in the transition of one department from a strong clinically- and educationally-centered department to one with an equally strong research focus.

RESULTS

The department significantly expanded and improved its research, educational role, and contribution to its medical school.

CONCLUSIONS

Leading departments of psychiatry in the United States have extremely strong research divisions. The research enterprise brings a critical academic identity to the institution and a stronger reputation and differentiates the department within the health-delivery system. However, for a department developing a research program, the frontline clinicians, staff, and students may see research as an imposition on patients and a distraction from the perceived primary mission, and they may be concerned about how they will be perceived as the institution changes its identity.