Improving recruitment into psychiatry: teaching strategies to enhance undergraduate interest

Abstract

Like many medical disciplines, interest in the practice of psychiatry is subject to a myriad of social and economic forces. Perhaps more so than most specialties, current events and the manner in which they are reported undoubtedly influence how mental illness and, subsequently, psychiatry are publicly viewed. The recent tragic shooting incident at a cinema in the United States, and the ‘disclosure’ that the shooter had seen a psychiatrist, exemplifies the media’s often sensational interest in mental illness. Indeed, mental health is brought to the fore by the media time and time again in coverage that often overgeneralizes mental illness and, on occasion, may not be fully accurate. Such portrayals may not only further stigmatize sufferers of mental illness but also those who work or are contemplating careers in the field of psychiatry. (Published: 30 November 2012) Citation: Med Educ Online 2012, 17 : 19223 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v17i0.19223