The Training of Psychodynamic Psychiatrists: The Concept of “Psychodynamic Virtue”

Abstract

Competence as a psychodynamic psychiatrist requires more than the acquisition of a body of theoretical knowledge and a set of technical skills. It calls for the acquisition of a set of virtues--attitudes of mind and heart--that are embedded in the character and person of the developing resident. The authors enumerate and explore these psychodynamic virtues. They discuss how residency training can best serve to develop these virtues in residents.