Research Training in Psychiatry Residency : Strategies for Reform

The number of psychiatric researchers does not seem to be keeping pace with theneeds and opportunities that exist in brain and behavioral medicine. An Institute ofMedicine committee conducted a broad review of the state of patient-orientedresearch training in the context of the psychiatry residency and considered theobstacles to such training and strategies for overcoming those obstacles. Carefulconsideration was given to the demands of clinical training. The committee concludedthat barriers to research training span three categories: regulatory, institutional,and personal factors. Recommendations to address these issues are presented in thecommittee''s report, including calling for research literacy requirements and researchtraining curricula tailored to psychiatry residency programs of various sizes. The rolesof senior investigators and departmental leadership are emphasized in the report, asis the importance of longitudinal training (e.g., from medical school through residencyand fellowship). As there appears to be great interest among numerous stakeholdersand a need for better tracking data, an overarching recommendation callsfor the establishment of a national body to coordinate and evaluate the progress ofresearch training in psychiatry.