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Interested in learning more about this rotation? Start the process for a free introductory meeting with our team
Physician ID:
155
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 8 AM to 11 AM (hospital rounds) and 12 PM to 5 PM (office)
Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM to 11 AM (hospital rounds) and 12 PM to 5 PM (office)
Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.
Location: Houston
This combined inpatient and outpatient US clinical experience will take place in Houston. You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to these locations.
Inpatient/Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Psychiatry in Houston
Specialties: Psychiatry
Location: Houston
Price:
Hospital Letterhead: No
Faculty Appointment: No
Information about this clinical experience:
(Please note that this rotation will strictly be an observership) You will be under the supervision of a physician who is board-certified in psychiatry. The preceptor is actively involved in teaching family medicine residents from an HCA-affiliated residency program who spend time with the doctor in the outpatient practice. The physician holds hospital appointments at Memorial Hermann Southwest, West Oaks Hospital, and Houston Behavioral Hospital.
On most days of the rotation, you will be spending time in the inpatient mental health units of several hospitals. As you observe encounters between the preceptor and hospitalized patients with acute psychiatric illness, you will see how interviews and mental status examinations are performed in patients in crisis. Discussions following these encounters will help you improve your abilities to develop differential diagnoses and select appropriate tests. You will learn how assessments and plans are made using a bio-psycho-social model. On the inpatient units:
You will observe how psychiatrists care for patients with psychiatric disorders in a respectful manner.
You will observe effective communication strategies and professional behaviors between psychiatrists and patients, families, and staff.
You will learn the major DSM-IV signs and symptoms for Bipolar Disorder, Delirium, Dementia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Abuse & Dependence, and Substance Intoxication & Withdrawal.
You will learn the indications, mechanism of action, and adverse effects of psychoactive medications.
You will learn about the medico-legal aspects related to involuntary hospitalization and the importance of confidentiality.
You will also be able to observe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). You will learn about the indications for this treatment, how patients are evaluated for this procedure, how the procedure is performed by a team of trained professionals, and side effects as well as safety concerns. To prepare for this aspect of the rotation, read the following:
Exploring Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatry
In the outpatient clinic, you will observe the evaluation and management of patients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders.
Please note that this is a fast-paced rotation that will expose you to a wide range of psychiatric disorders in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Although you may have some opportunities to ask patients questions, this rotation is best classified as an observership.
Who should consider this rotation:
International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in psychiatry. IMGs seeking careers in family medicine or internal medicine will also find this rotation particularly useful since mental health problems are common in these specialties.
How to obtain a letter of recommendation:
The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft.
During the rotation:
Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.
Testimonials
Because this rotation takes place at a teaching hospital, I had the opportunity to join attending rounds while spending much of my time working alongside the residents. One of the greatest strengths of this rotation was the residents’ enthusiasm for teaching. They created a very welcoming and low-pressure environment where I felt comfortable asking questions, discussing cases, and learning throughout the day.
During attending rounds, I was able to present new consults as well as follow-up patients and receive feedback on my presentations and clinical reasoning. There were also opportunities to become more involved depending on the student’s initiative, such as sharing short teaching points or giving presentations to the team.
The attending was very approachable, energetic, and enjoyable to work with. Because of the doctor's significant responsibilities within GME, the preceptor was understandably very busy, which sometimes limited the amount of one-on-one time available. However, whenever I specifically asked for feedback - whether regarding my rotation performance, personal statement, or presentations - the attending was very willing to take the time to provide thoughtful and constructive guidance.
I think this rotation may be particularly rewarding for students who have already completed one or two U.S. clinical rotations and are comfortable taking initiative. For those students, there are many opportunities to engage with the team and make the experience as educational as possible.
EK
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