Preceptor: Ashley Valencia, MD, Patricia Schwartz, MD
Course Code: 14-07
Contact clerkship coordinator: Jeffrey Sanchez, Jeffrey.Sanchez@NYULangone.org
Tel: 646-754-4845

Prerequisites: Psychiatry Clerkship

Description

The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) Elective gives the student the unique opportunity to participate in the evaluation, diagnosis, and the short-term treatment planning for patients in the Bellevue Psychiatry Emergency Room. Under close supervision by the faculty and staff of this service, the student gains experience in interviewing, diagnosing, and managing the acute psychiatric patient. The student sees a very wide range of pathology from adjustment disorders to frank psychoses to complex multi-system illnesses. Students work with the attending psychiatrists as well as the Director of the Bellevue Psychiatry Emergency Services.

Objectives of the Elective

The objectives of the elective are as follows: Perform a thorough mental status exam. Differentiate functional from organic disorders. Define and identify common psychotic, affective and characterological disorders. Recognize interaction of substance abuse with other syndromes. Assess dangerous ideation and behavior. Make appropriate disposition decisions. Appropriately utilize medications and recognize major side effects. Demonstrate appropriate use of chemical and physical restraint. Understand and comply with the Mental Hygiene Law.

Key Responsibilities of the Student While on the Elective

Two sites are available. The student may elective to work primarily in the Bellevue ER or in the field with the Mobile Crisis Unit. In both settings the student will:

• Perform comprehensive assessments, make dispositions recommendations, formulate the initial treatment plan and initiate pharmacological and psychological interventions under the direct supervision of an emergency psychiatry attending.
• Attend and discuss their cases at rounds, participate in team meetings, present to the major interdisciplinary case conference, and attend lectures and seminars.

Didactic Program

Students participate in the residency Emergency Psychiatry curriculum to the extent that their schedule permits. It includes assessment of the emergency presentations of the major psychiatric illnesses, suicide and violence, and the major acute treatments and forensic issues.

Method of Evaluation

Students are assigned to a preceptor who meets with the student regularly and conducts their evaluation.

Scheduling Information

Months offered: All year
Report to: Bellevue Hospital "CPEP" ground floor
Students per period: 1-3
Duration: 4 weeks