Abstract
While the public and medical leaders generally view the nonpsychiatric physician as having a major responsibility for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, many of these physicians view their own preparation in the area as inadequate. The actual hours of training in psychiatry of most practicing physicians is very limited, although it has been increasing gradually and has increased substantially for those graduating since 1970. Only about ten percent in Chicago have taken postgraduate courses in psychiatry, and very few seek out psychiatric information through other sources such as journals, colleagues, etc. In view of this, plus the apparent lack of consensus among themselves with respect to their appropriate role in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, perhaps a more modest role could be envisaged for them. The medical school curricula could reflect this role, but could also provide the individual physician with the option to acquire a higher level of psychiatric skills if s/he desires.
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This study was funded by a grant from the Health Administration Studies, University of Chicago, 5720 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637. I am indebted to the Centre and its Director, Professor O.W. Anderson for financial and other assistance. I would also like to thank the Manitoba Department of Health and Community Services for its assistance.
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Hull, J.T. The Nonpsychiatric Physician’s Training in Psychiatry. Acad Psychiatry 5, 316–328 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399825
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399825