Outpatient Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Acting Internship
Title of Clerkship: Outpatient Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Acting Internship
Elective Year(s): Fourth Year Elective
Department: Neurosciences and Psychiatry
Type of Elective: Clinical
Clerkship Site: The University of Toledo Medical Center
Course Number: PSCH 711
Blocks Available: Based on preceptor availability.
Number of Students/Block: 1
Faculty: Victoria Kelly, M.D.
Elective Description/Requirements: The student participating in this clinical elective will be working primarily at UTMC as part of the Outpatient Psychiatry team at Ruppert Health Center. The student will learn the administrative and clinical aspects of outpatient psychiatry and work closely with the outpatient attendings and residents. The student will be expected to perform diagnostic assessments and follow up appointments, including interview, charting, and medication management. The student will learn the principles of Psychotherapy, including but not limited to Psychodynamic Therapy (theories of the unconscious, dream analysis, ego psychology, object relations theory, the dynamics of transference and countertransference, defense mechanisms, repetition compulsion, and how early childhood relationships shape personality development). The student will then implement components of psychotherapy during the evaluation and management of adult and /or child patients receiving psychiatric care, assist in developing individualized and person-centered treatment plans, and contribute to creating and maintaining a supportive treatment environment. This will be done with supervision from the attending physicians and residents of the outpatient psychiatry service. These physicians will supervise the student in all aspects of clinical management. In addition to learning about the clinical aspects of psychiatric management, the student will gain an understanding of how psychodynamic principles integrate past experiences with present behavior for comprehensive treatment and obtain an introductory understanding of psychodynamic principles, fostering improved patient outcomes through collaboration and interdisciplinary care
It is expected that the student will take responsibility for the individuals assigned to him/her, under the supervision and close collaboration with other members of the multi-disciplinary team will be expected. The student will also be expected to prepare a presentation based on a topic agreed upon with the attending by the end of the term. The student is expected to present their topic at departmental or organizational meetings (e.g. NAMI Greater Toledo, NWOPPA monthly meetings, psychiatry resident didactics, Internal Medicine noon lectures, Emergency Medicine didactics, grand rounds, etc.) As an acting intern, the student enrolled in this course will assist in the education of students completing their Psychiatry required clerkship experiences. This student will meet weekly with the attending physician for assessment and feedback.
Length of Clerkship: 4 weeks
Educational Course Objectives and Links to EPOs:
- Explain the neurobiological changes underlying delirium, agitation, alcohol and substance intoxication and withdrawal, secondary to medical conditions. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Explain the neurobiological changes underlying mood disorder and suicidality secondary to medical conditions. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Discuss the impact of social determinants on the health of individuals encountered on the inpatient unit. (EPOs: SBP-2, SBP-6)
- Independently conduct an organized, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate assessment of an individual hospitalized for medical/surgical reasons. (EPOs: PC-1, PB-1)
- Prioritize a differential diagnosis; recommend and describe the scientific basis for the diagnostic evaluation. (EPOs: PC-6)
- Recommend specific, evidence-based therapeutic interventions after discussing the indications, contraindications, potential adverse reactions, and likely outcomes of each. (EPOs: PB-1, PC-7)
- Identify community-based resources to incorporate into outpatient behavioral health care plan upon discharge, if possible. (EPOs: SBP-3)
- Communicate effectively with hospitalized individuals and all members of the interprofessional treatment team; participate effectively in the exchange of information with consulting teams. (EPOs: PC-4, PB-1, PC-9, IPC-1, IPC-2, SBP-5)
- Incorporate feedback from others into the assessment of knowledge and performance; set learning and self-improvement goals; and identify appropriate resources to address gaps in knowledge and skills. (EPOs: PB-1, PBL-1, PBL-2, PBL-3)
Professionalism: UT/COM students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.
Instructional Methods: Case write-ups, clinical case presentations/discussions, use/interpretation of various laboratory and diagnostic tests, independent studies, and a paper or presentation based on a topic agreed upon with the attending.
Evaluation Methods: Clinical documentation review, attendance, Acting Internship Assessment via faculty observation of clinical skills, narrative, and self-assessment.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all third-year required clerkships.
Clerkship Director: Victoria Kelly M.D.
Clerkship Coordinator: Micheal’e Hands
Phone Number: 419-383-5615
Email: micheale.hands@utoledo.edu
Special Requirements: None
ECC Approved
March 2025