TY - JOUR T1 - Tips for GP trainees working in psychiatry JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 148 LP - 149 DO - 10.3399/bjgp11X556407 VL - 61 IS - 583 AU - Matthew Burkes AU - Laurine Hanna AU - James Woollard Y1 - 2011/02/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/61/583/148.abstract N2 - Many doctors approach psychiatry with a sense of trepidation and, occasionally, fear. The aim of this article is to give some concrete advice to help trainees to relax and enjoy this fascinating rotation. A spell in psychiatry has the potential to be one of the most useful rotations on the general practice training scheme. Much of psychiatry is now managed in the community and so will form a significant part of your work following qualification. As increasing pressure comes to bear on mental health trusts to cut costs and close inpatient beds this is only likely to increase. When people suffer mental health issues it is very often the GP who is their first port of call, and so a good working knowledge of the area, as well as insight into the mechanisms and frameworks of secondary care, is an asset. During the job, you will also have the opportunities and time to develop your communication skills, occasionally in crisis situations.As with all rotations, it is imperative that you are organised and clear about what you want to experience and get out of your time in psychiatry. It is up to you to make this happen, but presenting your clinical supervisor with a brief written PDP at the start of the rotation shows that you are a motivated and positive individual and increases their motivation to teach you and ensure you are getting the relevant experience you need. Psychiatry is very different from many of the other jobs on the training rotation and requires a different approach but should provide the trainee with invaluable experience for their future careers as GPs. It is hoped … ER -