Psychiatry Residency Didactics

In addition to rotations, psychiatry residents are required to complete a series of didactics.

Introduction to Psychiatric Interviewing
PGY1 and PGY2 residents receive instruction on interviewing patients in the inpatient setting. Sessions are conducted on the inpatient unit, allowing residents to practice their skills on actual patients.

Psychopathology / Psychopharmacology Modules
Major classes of psychiatric disorders, including psychotic disorders, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and geriatric psychiatry are taught in modules. Each module includes sessions on psychopharmacology, pathophysiology, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.

Psychotherapy
Residents receive formal instruction in the history of psychotherapy and personality theory. The course covers the theoretical basis of various types of psychotherapy. PGY3 and PGY4 residents receive instruction in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, brief psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. PGY2 residents begin an introductory course at the end of the academic year as they prepare to transition to the outpatient clinic.

History and Systems of Psychiatry
This survey course outlines the historical basis of psychiatry and provides a foundation for training. The course covers the major theories of psychotherapy and personality ranging from Freudian psychology to more modern theorists.

Journal Club
Residents present and critically evaluate scholarly papers from scholarly journals. Active participation and discussion is encouraged. Papers range from seminal comparative effectiveness studies (CATIE, STAR-D) to small trials of novel drugs or psychotherapy modalities.

Grand Rounds
Outside speakers are regularly invited from hospitals and other facilities in the Boston area and beyond to present a seminar on their area of expertise. Many of the speakers come from Harvard affiliate hospitals. Residents are encouraged to recommend topics of interest for the series.

Case Conferences
Case conference is divided into inpatient and outpatient case conferences. Usually, a resident presents a case history and the patient is subsequently interviewed by an attending physician in a group setting. The session concludes with a discussion of the case and how to most effectively treat the patient. Residents learn different interviewing techniques by watching faculty members demonstrate their unique styles of interviewing patients.

Morbidity and Mortality (M&M)
These sessions are scheduled after an adverse outcome. The case is discussed confidentially among residents and attendings.

Other Didactic Sessions
Residents receive didactic training in neuropsychological testing, substance abuse, forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent development, geriatric psychiatry, and other topics. Classes are taught by core faculty members or outside lecturers.

• Online curriculum: Residents and attendings have access to the Decker curriculum. This is a national residency program curriculum that offers weekly academic teachings and board preparation resources.
• Online learning modules: Residents complete online modules on quality improvement and patient safety created by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. These courses are now a graduation requirement for all residents at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.