Expert: Dr. Kevin D. Kanz - 10/8/2005

Question
Do psychiatry medical students go through the same medical shcool that other physician go through? or is it modified in contents?

Answer
Dear Tony,
Psychiatry is a subspecialty of medicine.  All medical students must complete a relatively similar curriculum.  In the final two years you may select certian rotations that concentrate in the specific areas of medicine that interest you.  Once your medical degree is obtained, then you can choose a specialty.  This usually involves a match program, where you apply for an internship and residency in the area of medicine you may wish to specialize in.  Most pshchiatrists choose a psychiatry/neurology residency program which generally takes about four years to complete (after medical school).  Upon completion of internship and residency in your specialty, you may then apply for a fellowship program.  A fellowship will allow you to work in this specialty area until you are elegable for board certification.  Once you complete the psychiatry/neurology board exams, you are entitled to work independently as a board certified psychiatrist or neurologist. Now, that said, you may wish to seek a degree in psychology, which does not require medical school.  Clinical psychologists generally obtain a PhD or at least a Masters degree in psychology or social work in order to become independent mental health or behavioral health professional.  Psychologists do not prescribe medicines or perform surgeries.  Hope this helps...
~Dr.K