Training osteopathic medical students in behavioral medicine and psychiatry

Abstract

Medical students need more comprehensive training in behavioral sciences to cope with the increasing acuity of patients seen in an ambulatory-care setting. Present-day psychiatry teaching and clinical rotations emphasize severe psychopathologic disorders and inpatient care. Colleges of osteopathic medicine should integrate behavioral sciences into the preclinical curriculum and clinical training. Clinical psychiatry training should prepare students to care for patients with the kinds of behavioral difficulties seen in primary care settings in an integrated manner.