Abstract
Forensic psychiatry is the branch of psychiatry that focuses on our field’s interface with the legal system. Expert witness testimony, commonly regarded as the definitive element of forensic psychiatry, is only one aspect of this clinical subspecialty. Comparison of the sparse current general psychiatry residency training requirements for forensic psychiatry with the upsurge in interest in medical-legal information demonstrated by psychiatric trainees and practicing psychiatrists reveals a striking disparity between what residency programs are required to teach and what psychiatrists want, and need, to know. There are both clinical and economic explanations for the recent growth of interest in forensic psychiatry. Clinically, there is increased awareness of the many interactions between law and psychiatry, including everpresent concerns about malpractice. Economically, expert forensic consultation and testimony in legal matters can provide psychiatrists with a welcome source of extra income in today’s environment of managed care. This article will examine the current residency requirements and provide suggestions for a basic forensic psychiatry curriculum for psychiatric residents.
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