Ensuring research competency in psychiatric residency training

Abstract

Objective: This article discusses the importance of research training in psychiatric residency programs and makes recommendations for enhancement.

Methods: The authors examine the literature detailing the shortage of psychiatrist-researchers and the limitations of research training during residency. The authors then describe the Psychiatrists Acquiring Research Training (PART) program at Beth Israel Medical Center that attempts to address this problem. Data collected on resident scholarly activity, including publications and presentations, is presented.

Results: Since its inception, all scholarly activities have increased under the PART program. The 89 residents, followed over 5 academic years, co-authored 32 publications, gave 56 presentations, and received prestigious honors such as NIMH fellowships and national research awards.

Conclusion: Residents' participation in research has been advanced through participation in PART. Ensuring research competency among all psychiatrists is crucial to providing the best science-based care; PART represents a cost-effective way to integrate research training with psychiatric residency. The authors also discuss opportunities and obstacles to developing research programs as part of psychiatric residency training.