A Brief Examination of Integrated Care in Undergraduate Medical Education

Abstract

Objective: This study examines how behavioral and physical health are currently integrated in undergraduate medical education, both in the classroom and during clinical rotations.

Methods: Members of the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (n = 215) were invited to complete a short survey on the integration of physical and behavioral health at their institution.

Results: In addition to undergraduate medical courses traditionally taught by psychiatrists, behavioral science topics are often addressed in neurology, reproduction, and doctoring courses. During clinical rotations, behavioral health topics are most likely taught during the family medicine clerkship and, conversely, least likely during the surgery clerkship; furthermore, behavioral health topics are much less likely to be taught by psychiatrists during clinical rotations.

Conclusions: Integration of behavioral and physical health in medical education is beginning to occur in a meaningful context.