Consequences of Recent Changes in Research and Practice for the Identity of Psychiatrists

Abstract

SummaryThe limits of the role of psychiatrists are becoming increasingly vague as a consequence of the confusion on the theoretical model, the excessive size of the field and the managed care movement that is deeply altering the way psychiatric services are delivered. A thorough reflection has to be made about the need to strengthen the professional identity of future psychiatrists in the course of their training. Theoretical orientation of psychiatrists depends, to a large extent, on the training that they received during residency and the type of practice they undertake. It is necessary, therefore, to consider that the institutional path and expected activities in the program of training postgraduates is particularly important for the development of the identity of the resident as a psychiatrist. The criteria for elaborating these programs have to take into account, not only the opinion of the teachers and of the residents, but also many other parameters, one of which is the description of what makes a true psychiatrist in his or her clinical practice, so as to adapt the content of programs to the realization of inherent objectives to the activities described.