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The Observership Program in Psychiatry


 

OBESERVERSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW 
The Department of Psychiatry at Brunswick Hospital Center offers a formal observership, providing hands-on training that is designed for international medical graduates (IMG's).
 
Duration 
Four months. Program start dates are flexible. 

Schedule
Observers work full-time 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Mondays through Fridays, except when posted to the Admissions Unit when they work 4:00 PM to midnight.  

Program Components
The program includes the following components:​

  • Supervised clinical observation and experience in the Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Services, the Child Psychiatry Service, and the    Admissions Unit.

  • Supervised training in patient interviewing skills

  • ​Didactic seminars on clinical and theoretical topics:

    • Foundations in Psychiatry focusing on major diagnostic entities

    • Basics of Psychodynamics

    • Introduction to Interviewing

    • Introduction to Psychiatric Research

  •  Weekly Case Conferences and biweekly Grand Rounds/Journal Club

 

Experience Gained

Brunswick Hospital  Center serves a wide variety of patients from different socioeconomic strata with rich cultural diversity. This enables us to provide a cross-cultural experience, which sensitizes the externs to the diverse needs of our patients.  At the conclusion of the observership, trainees are expected to gain experience in the following areas:

  • How to conduct a comprehensive psychiatric interview.

  • To acquire skills in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric syndromes.

  • To acquire knowledge of the common psychiatric problems of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood.

  • To use laboratory tests, psychological testing, and other diagnostic procedures appropriately; make accurate psychiatric diagnoses; formulate a problem list and the corresponding treatment plan.

  • To acquire knowledge of the indications, contraindications, presumed mechanisms, dosing schedules and side effects for common psychotropic medications.

  • To demonstrate consistent interest, tact, and compassion for the patient and the patient's family.

  • To demonstrate the qualities of reliability, conscientiousness, and integrity.

  • To work harmoniously as a member of a mental health team in information gathering, treatment planning and implementation.


Program Cost
The program is free and admission to the program is a competitive and fair process. There is no cost to the Observer. However, the costs of travel, room & board are not covered by this program.  
 
Eligibility Requirements 
We are looking for applicants who are professional, mature, psychologically minded, and culturally competent.  

  • Applicants must have good communication skills and comprehension in both spoken and written English.

  • Applicants must have graduated from a medical school and have passed USMLE Step I, and Step 2 exams.

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or  Permanent Residents with a Green Card or have a valid B1 visa.


Contact Information  
Please email us at Observership@brunswickhospitalcenter.org
 

Application Process 

 For more information and to apply for the program, please click below:

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