Preceptor: Kseniya Svyatets, D.O.
Course Code: 14-12

Prerequisites: Psychiatry Core Clerkship

Description

This elective offers the student the unique opportunity to evaluate and treat patients with both substance misuse disorders and complex co-occuring psychiatric disorders on the Dual Diagnosis Training Unit, a 30-bed inpatient psychiatric unit at Bellevue Hospital. While our patients most frequently use alcohol, cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines and cannabis, we also treat patients who use phencyclidine (PCP), hallucinogens, inhalants, methamphetamine, and other drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and GHB. Prescription drug misuse is also common. The majority of patients suffer from psychotic and/or mood disorders, as well as severe personality disorders, trauma, and significant psychosocial barriers. The student learns about associated neurobiology, psychopathology, behavior modification techniques, group therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychopharmacology specifically designed for this patient population.

Over four weeks, students will assume direct responsibility for the diagnosis and management of their patients under the close supervision of attending physicians who are also faculty members of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Each student is required to lead a weekly patient group; in the past students have run group activities like relapse prevention, rum and relationships, poetry group, medical consequences of addictions, and life stories. The experience is augmented by individual tutorials, case conferences, and division-wide grand rounds. For students who have completed a core clerkship in psychiatry, this elective is offered at the level of a sub-internship.

Objectives of the Elective

The objective of the elective is to gain knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of addiction (substance misuse and dependence), psychiatric illness and dual diagnosis.

Key Responsibilities of the student while on Elective

1. Clinical management of 2-3 patients under direct attending supervision.
2. Participation in daily clinical rounds and weekly treatment team meetings.
3. Participation in unit academic conferences, division and departmental Grand Rounds.
4. Running a weekly group.

Didactic Program

In addition to the conferences above, the student receives individual weekly supervision from a faculty member.

Method of evaluation

The student will be evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, and participation in unit activities and conferences.

Scheduling Information

Months offered: All Year
Report to: Bellevue Hospital 20 East Unit
Students per Period: 1-2
Duration: 4 weeks