Psychiatry Clerkship
Welcome to the Psychiatry Clerkship. This clerkship consists of both inpatient and outpatient/consultative Psychiatry-based rotations at VCU Medical Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC), and Jackson Center. Through these clinical experiences, students will apply and develop their knowledge and skills in the world of psychiatry. This growth in clinical abilities will occur through direct patient care, learning at the bedside and through the opportunity to attend weekly case conferences and learning didactics. We have made every effort to provide an environment in which your own skill-directed learning can be maximized.
Welcome
Clerkship Director: Kathryn L. Jones, M.D., Ph.D.
Welcome from the Clerkship Director
Psychiatry Clerkship
Resources
- Perform and document a complete history and the relevant portions of a physical exam including a mental status examination.
- Analyze the results of laboratory and diagnostic testing to develop and refine a differential diagnosis.
- Develop both short- and long-term management plans that incorporate pharmacologic and other therapies with consideration of potential side effects, medication interactions, mechanism of action, patient preferences, social support, and community resources.
- Develop a therapeutic alliance with patients of diverse backgrounds to facilitate information gathering and optimize patient care.
- Utilizing knowledge of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features, differentiate between underlying medical and psychiatric conditions influencing patient symptoms, treatment strategies, and management outcomes.
- Identify patients with psychiatric emergencies and describe the indications for hospitalization, including the acuity of the presenting symptom, risk of danger to patient or others, community resources, and social support.
- Describe the mental health system, including ethical and legal issues, with specific emphasis on patient autonomy, confidentiality, involuntary admission, capacity, and access to care.
- Collaborate with patients, their social support systems, and all members of the healthcare team including community resources and agencies to optimize patient care.
- Employ compassionate and effective written and verbal communication with patients, their families, and members of the healthcare team to promote an environment of respect and inclusivity.
- Assimilate and appraise scientific evidence using relevant resources to inform clinical decision making.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional growth through receptivity to feedback, consultation with colleagues, ongoing participation in educational opportunities, and personal reflection.
Please also review the institutional learning objectives.
Contacts
Psychiatry Clerkship
Psychiatry Clerkship Director
Kathryn L. Jones, M.D., Ph.D.
Virginia Treatment Center for Children/Children’s Hospital of Richmond
VCU Health/VCU School of Medicine
Office: VTCC Room 2-224
Phone: (804) 828-0045 or (804) 201-3818
Email: kathryn.l.jones@vcuhealth.org
Psychiatry Clerkship Associate Director
Ryan-Marie Chiarella, D.O.
VCU Health/VCU School of Medicine
Office: West 8 - Room G8-304
Phone: (804) 628-8519 or (804) 366-6777
Email: ryan.chiarella@vcuhealth.org