Forensic Psychiatry
LOCATION: CAMC Department of Behavior Medicine & Psychiatry
PRECEPTOR: Jessica Talley, MD
DURATION: 2-4 weeks
OFFERED: By arrangement
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 1
STATUS: Elective
Description:
This elective experience in forensic psychiatry will allow students to explore the intersection of the law and psychiatry as well as medicine in general. Students will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of forensic concepts which impact daily practice as well as those that serve as the foundation for specialized forensic evaluations. Students will join forensic evaluations and complete independent study activities to enhance their knowledge of the field.
Patient Care:
Articulate and contribute to psychiatric evaluations as they are available during the course of their rotation. The evaluations may be criminal or civil in nature.
Demonstrate the ability to write an accurate and comprehensive opinion/forensic report.
Medical Knowledge:
Recall legal principals involved in forensic cases and routine medical practice. Distinguish differences between forensic evaluations and patient care encounters.
Identify forensic resources such as the WV Code.
Practice-Based Learning:
Recognize areas where additional knowledge is needed to apply forensic concepts and identify resources that may be helpful. Reflect on feedback from their supervising faculty about their own report/opinion writing skills and will use this feedback to improve their written communication.
Communication Skills:
Demonstrate skills needed to effectively communicate opinions in writing. Recognize the differences in communication styles between the medical and legal professions.
Professionalism:
Maintain a professional appearance and professional attitude in their interactions with evaluees as well as those that accompany them. Demonstrate openness to learning including acceptance of both positive and negative feedback. Demonstrate punctuality and will communicate any need for a planned absence in advance.
Systems-Based Practice:
Identify how the medical and legal systems interface. Identify with how an evaluee’s legal situation may impact their psychiatric and medical care.
METHODS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES:
Students will: - attend forensic evaluations - engage in discussion with faculty - complete independent study and opinion/report writing activities
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive feedback addressing opinion writing and independent study activities as they progress through the elective experience.
Summative Assessment:
Final evaluation will include the standard elective student evaluation form and narrative that targets student’s completion of the rotation learning objectives.
PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE ROTATION:
Please contact Charissa Davis, cddavis@hsc.wvu.edu in Charleston Student Services at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the rotation.