College of Psychiatrists hosted its 2nd Induction Week for Psychiatry Trainees following a well-received and successful inaugural event last year
Communication and Language, Ethics and Professionalism and Physical Health were some of the workshop sessions to form part of an intense induction week designed by the College Postgraduate Training Department for doctors embarking on their first year as Trainee Psychiatrists.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2018, the College will host its 2nd week-long Foundation Year Induction Programme for incoming psychiatry trainees this week.
In addition to welcoming 63 new entrants to the Basic Specialist Trainee scheme the programme aims to equip foundation year psychiatry trainees with introductory skills in areas such as communication, patient safety, physical health, personal well-being, ethics, and Irish social and cultural issues, all of which are vital in this formative stage of training and in ensuring that the highest standard of patient care is to the fore.
This residential intensive is a one-of-a-kind programme in Irish postgraduate medical training and will feature presentations and workshops delivered by senior specialists in Psychiatry and allied healthcare professionals, as well as representatives from the College REFOCUS group, the LGTBQ+ community, Refugees in Ireland, and the Irish Traveller Community.
There will be a particular emphasis on development of the unique qualities, as distinct from other Medical Specialties, required by Psychiatrists with interactive workshops on cultural challenges, ethics and professionalism, and social media among others.
A communication skills training session will see the incoming trainees work collaboratively alongside consultant specialists and service users/family members of REFOCUS, allowing them to reflect on the approach and language they use when relating with patients, family members/carers, members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, delivering a diagnosis, and connecting with patients.
The Dean of Education, Dr Aoibhinn Lynch, is keen to emphasise the importance of providing a welcoming, supportive environment for this group of doctors from the very beginning of their training and to encourage an opportunity for networking and socialising too. Trainees are encouraged to build connections and support networks amongst their peers working across the country.
Last year’s participants commented;
“I would like to congratulate the college for trying something new for the FY trainees. It was very well organised, thoughtful week that has enriched us in different ways. The topics were overall well-chosen and catered to FY trainees. It also make me feel more comfortable in contacting the college about different matters.”
“Excellent opportunity to reflect on new career, meet new colleagues and identify gaps for own learning and development.”
Overall, this educational induction week has been designed to consider every facet of what makes a well-rounded, informed and skilled Psychiatrist and aims to benefit not only the incoming young doctors as trainees, but the patients they will support and work with as well.
