Psychiatry
In line with IIUM vision of Islamization, Internationalization and Integration, the curriculum stresses integration in theoretical and practical aspect of psychiatry. The curriculum is designed with a holistic approach in that psychiatric problems are considered from the physical, physiological, spiritual, psychological and social perspective.
Course Synopsis
Psychiatric related subjects are introduced in the first year of the medical course (Phase 1) until the end of the course in year 5 (8 weeks). The essential knowledge on human psychology, behaviour and psychopathology are integrated in Basic Medical Sciences subjects in the first two years. In year 3 there are several sessions on history taking and mental state examination during Elementary Clinics Posting.
Students are introduced to series of lectures on the sign and symptoms of psychiatric diseases, and interview techniques during the Introduction to Psychiatry module in Fourth Year. Final year posting of psychiatry, in which students are involved in clinical work for 8 weeks, is most important for students to apply the ir theories and knowledge of psychiatry.
Year 5- Psychiatric Posting
The psychiatry course aims to:
- Ensure that the student can manage common psychiatric problems which he/she may be presented with during the pre-registration period as a house officer
- Lay the foundations for the skills and knowledge that the student will need to manage common psychiatric problems post-registration, in whatever field the student might work in
- Continue to develop the student’s skills in communication, teamwork, evidence-based practice and clinical decision making
- Inspire students to pursue a career in psychiatry or to have a special interest in psychiatry while training in another specialty
The essential knowledge that students will acquire are:
- Signs and symptoms of common psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, substance related psychiatric disorders, common childhood psychiatric disorders, and medical related psychiatric disorders
- Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders
- Etiology of psychiatric disorders
- Basic principal of psychotherapies
- Principles of treatment and management of common psychiatric disorders
- Ethical and legal aspects of psychiatry
Acquired Skills
- Interview techniques during psychiatric emergencies
- Conducting mental state examinations
- Assessing a patient’s risk to others
- Assessing a patient’s suicide risk
- Detecting common psychiatric symptoms
- Formulating psychiatric cases
- Effective communication skills
- Basic psychotherapy skills
- Treating and managing common psychiatric disoders
Teaching Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Ward-rounds
- Outpatient clinic
- Problem-based learning
- Videos
- Case clerking and presentations
- Clinico pathological conference (CPC)
- Log books
- Case write-ups
- On call duties
- Home visits
- Visits to mental institutions
Assessment of Posting
The assessment is conducted in summative and formative methods. The continuous assessment of every student throughout the posting contributes certain marks for the whole assessment of the students. A rough weight of marks are: Theory- 60% (MCQ, PMP); Clinical- 40%