Behavioral Science in Family Medicine Education

The Behavioral Science curriculum is based on the biopsychosocial, integrated sciences model (Carr, 1999). Residency education in the Behavioral Sciences approaches each patient as a complex but integrated system of many variables that can be organized under five domains: biological, behavioral, cognitive, sociocultural, and environmental. The curriculum is evidenced-based and designed so that every resident achieves competencies in the following areas including recommendations on Curriculum Guidelines for Family Medicine Residents by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

• Incorporation of a knowledge of human behavior, mental health, and mental disorders into the every day practice of medicine
• Development of an understanding of the influential relationship between the patient and his or her family as fundamental to the practice of family medicine
• Improving the recognition and treatment of the emotional aspects of organic illness
• Training in the enhancement of the doctor-patient relationship as the foundation upon which medical care is delivered.
• Development of therapeutic communication skills as essential elements in the delivery of effective and efficient health care
• Improving self-awareness and self-care as ethical responsibilities of a practicing physician

Behavioral Science Rotation (1st Year, three week block)

Didactics

Integrated Sciences Model
Clinical Relaxation Training (Mindfullness & Stress Management)
Communication Skills (Common Ground, Lang, 2005)
Delivering Difficult News
Family Systems
Depression
Suicide
Anxiety
Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Introduction to DSM-IV-R
Somatization
Primary Care Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology of Depression
Integrated Psychopharmacology

Mini-Rotations

Fellowship Hall
Alcohol treatment center
Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home
Attendance at community self-help group
Exploration of community resources

Direct Observation of Clinical Activity

Videotaping
Shadowing

Longitudinal Curriculum

Once a month at noon conferences and morning reports throughout the three years of the residency one of the core topics in Behavioral Science is presented including family systems, adherence to medical advice, sleep disorders, psychophysiological disorders, personality disorders, and persistent pain among many others.

Videotaping & Shadowing

Videotaping & Shadowing (direct observation of the clinical encounter) begins during the Human Behavior Rotation the 1st year and continues throughout residency training.

Support Groups

1st Year

HO-Is attend a support group two times a week throughout the year to provide the skills and group support that are necessary to learn and to grow during the challenging internship year.

2nd Year

The HO-IIs meet two times monthly in the “Interpersonal Dilemmas in the Practice of Medicine” group. Primarily this is a Balint group which focuses on the complexities of the Doctor-Patient relationship but also explores all relationships as they contribute to or complicate the practice of medicine.

3rd Year

The HO-IIIs support group meets once a month and continues the format from the 2nd year but also includes a focus on the complex transition from residency to their early career. 

Consultation & Referral

Behavioral Science faculty are available to review patients, facilitate treatment planning and accessing community resources.

William J. McCann, Psy.D.
Director
Behavioral Science Education