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Specialty Certification in Psychiatry and Formal Education of the Psychiatrist: A Survey

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Abstract

In this paper, the authors compare certification in psychiatry with certification in eight other medical specialties. They note the high (62%) overall failure rate of those taking the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology examination. Due to this high failure rate, they feel that psychiatry as a profession is not meeting the challenge to establish a standard of excellence in psychiatric practice. Reasons for the failures are discussed. The authors advocate a clarification of purpose, greater accountability on the part of the board, and accessibility of examination information to Board candidates and residency training programs. They recommend a vital and integrated relationship between training programs and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, USA

    David K. Kentsmith M.D. (Associate Professor and Clinical Director)

  2. Adult Outpatient Clinic, Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, 602 South 45th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA

    David K. Kentsmith M.D. (Associate Professor and Clinical Director)

  3. University of Oregon Medical School, Portland, Oregon, USA

    Frederick E. Fried M.D. (Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry)

  4. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA

    Syed A. Hussain M.D. (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. David K. Kentsmith M.D.
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  2. Frederick E. Fried M.D.
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  3. Syed A. Hussain M.D.
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Kentsmith, D.K., Fried, F.E. & Hussain, S.A. Specialty Certification in Psychiatry and Formal Education of the Psychiatrist: A Survey. Acad Psychiatry 1, 188–204 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399675

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