Skip to main content
Log in

Study Groups as a Method of Continuing Medical Education for Psychiatrists

  • Article
  • Published:
Journal of Psychiatric Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Small study groups for attending staff were used as a stimulus for continuing education in a hospital department of psychiatry over a seven year period. They acted as a cushion against the decrease of residents, and improved the quality of post-graduate teaching. Arising on a grass roots level, they functioned best with a clear focus. Leadership was necessary to prevent groups from splintering or falling into power struggles. The natural history of study groups is such that they must eventually dissolve. The ideal outcome was continued self-study for the members, and fertilization with new ideas for the department. The investment of time and money in continuing education was well justified by the resulting boost in morale and intellectual excitement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Carmichael, H.T., Small, S.M., Regan, P.F.: Prospects and proposals: Lifetime learning for psychiatrists. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Dorsey, R., and Sullivan, F.: PRSO: Advantages, risks, and potential pit-falls. American Journal of Psychiatry 132:832–836, 1975.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Gordon, S.: Small study groups for CME: The experience of the Washington Psychiatric Society, presented to the American Psychiatric Association, Atlanta, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Funkenstein, D.H.: Medical students, medical schools, and society during five eras: Factors affecting the career choices of physicians 1958-1976. Cambridge: Ballinger, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Pardes, H.: Future needs for psychiatrists and other mental health personnel. Archives of General Psychiatry 36:1401–1408, 1979.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Brandes, N.S., and Todd, W.E.: Dissolution of a peer supervision group of individual psychotherapists. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy 22:54–59, 1972.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Hunt, W., and Issachoroff, A.: History and analysis of a leaderless group of professional therapists. American Journal of Psychiatry 132:1164–1167, 1975.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bion, W.R.: Experiences in groups. London: Tavistock, 1961.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  9. Malan, D.A.: A study of brief psychotherapy. London: Tavistock, 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Sifneos, P.E.: Short-term psychotherapy and emotional crisis. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Mann, J.: Time-limited psychotherapy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Alexander, F. and French, T.M.: Psychoanalytic therapy. New York: Ronald Press, 1946.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Paris, J., Kravitz, H. Study Groups as a Method of Continuing Medical Education for Psychiatrists. Acad Psychiatry 4, 289–297 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399778

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399778

Navigation