Exposing medical students to child and adolescent psychiatry: A case-based seminar

Objective: Despite a documented shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, few studies have examined whether including child and adolescent psychiatry didactics in a medical school curriculum can stimulate appreciation and interest among students, possibly leading more students to choose careers in this specialty. Methods: The authors surveyed third-year medical students at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University regarding their reactions to a 3-hour case-based seminar on child and adolescent psychiatry topics recently implemented as part of the general psychiatry clerkship. Results: Student ratings reflected a positive view of the field and many students reported an increased likelihood of considering the specialty as a career after the seminar. In addition, students desired increased exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry while in medical school. Conclusion: Medical schools may consider providing students with increased exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry as this may encourage more future physicians to enter the field.