Our psychiatry curriculum is designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of mental health, disorders, and treatments. Key components include:
- Foundations of Psychiatry: Introduction to the history, theories, and core concepts of psychiatry, including diagnostic criteria and classification systems such as the DSM-5.
- Psychopathology: In-depth study of various mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Training in evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.), pharmacotherapy, and integrated care approaches.
- Ethics and Cultural Competence: Emphasizing the ethical considerations in psychiatric practice and the importance of cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations.
Clinical Rotations
Students participate in clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience in various settings, including:
- Inpatient Psychiatry: Experience in psychiatric hospitals, managing acute psychiatric conditions, conducting assessments, and participating in treatment planning.
- Outpatient Psychiatry: Involvement in community mental health clinics, where students work with patients in a less structured environment, focusing on long-term management of mental health disorders.
- Specialty Clinics: Opportunities to rotate in subspecialty clinics such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry.
These rotations enable students to develop clinical skills, enhance diagnostic abilities, and foster effective communication skills with patients and their families.
Research Opportunities
The Department of Psychiatry actively promotes research that contributes to the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders. Faculty members are involved in a variety of research initiatives, including:
- Neurobiological Studies: Investigating the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders, including genetic, neurochemical, and neuroimaging studies.
- Psychotherapy Research: Exploring the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions and developing new treatment modalities.
- Public Health and Policy: Research focused on mental health policy, stigma reduction, and access to care, aiming to improve mental health services at the community and population levels.
Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, gaining valuable experience that enhances their understanding of psychiatry and contributes to their professional development.
Faculty Expertise
Our faculty comprises experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals who are committed to education, research, and clinical practice. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom, mentoring students and guiding them in their clinical practice.
Faculty Achievements
- Clinical Excellence: Faculty members are recognized for their contributions to advancing psychiatric care, including the development of best practices and clinical guidelines.
- Research Contributions: Our faculty regularly publish in leading psychiatric journals and present at national and international conferences, contributing to advancements in mental health research.
Patient Care
Clinical Services
The Department of Psychiatry provides high-quality mental health care through affiliated hospitals and outpatient clinics. Our students participate in a range of clinical services, including:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations, including mental status examinations, diagnostic assessments, and risk assessments.
- Treatment Planning: Developing individualized treatment plans that may include psychotherapy, medication management, and collaborative care with other healthcare professionals.
- Crisis Intervention: Training in crisis management techniques and acute care interventions, preparing students to respond effectively to psychiatric emergencies.
Ethical Considerations
We prioritize ethical practice in psychiatry, training students to navigate complex situations involving confidentiality, informed consent, and patient autonomy. Students learn to advocate for their patients while respecting individual rights and cultural beliefs.
Community Engagement
The Department of Psychiatry is actively involved in community outreach and mental health advocacy initiatives. Faculty and students participate in programs such as:
- Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Promoting understanding and reducing stigma associated with mental health disorders through community workshops and educational events.
- Screening Initiatives: Conducting mental health screenings in schools, community centers, and other organizations to identify individuals in need of further evaluation and care.
- Collaborative Care Models: Partnering with primary care providers and social services to improve access to mental health care and ensure comprehensive support for patients.
The Department of Psychiatry at Mother Mary Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences is committed to producing compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled mental health professionals who are prepared to address the diverse challenges of psychiatric practice. Through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a dedication to research and community service, we prepare our students to excel in their careers in psychiatry. Join us in our mission to promote mental health and improve the lives of individuals and communities through education, innovation, and advocacy.