A Medical Student-Run Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic: One Institution’s Experience

Objective This report examines the experience of one institution’s development of the first student-run psychiatry clinic that serves both adult and pediatric populations. Methods The clinic is held weekly with pre-clinical and clinical medical student volunteers under the supervision of board-certified adult and child psychiatrists. The development and evolution of the clinic over time are evaluated with particular attention to obstacles overcome. Medical student volunteers were surveyed retrospectively to evaluate their experience with patients with psychiatric illness, skill development, and interest in psychiatry. Results Since January 2016, the clinic has scheduled 90 patients, 32% of which were pediatric patients. Ninety-six medical students have volunteered, with roughly equal parts from all four medical school classes. Respondents to the experience survey showed marked improvement in their comfort working with patients with mental illness. Additionally, 40% “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that their experience influenced their interest in pursuing psychiatry as a career. Conclusion This report describes a student-run psychiatry clinic with a dual mission of education and service, and the challenges associated with these sometimes competing goals. This clinic serves a vital need within our community and may be an example of the role that student-run clinics can have in fostering interdisciplinary care, psychiatric recruitment, and training for medical students.