Professional integration and re-education for immigrant psychiatrists: a personal perspective "docendo distimus".
To be a good psychiatrist, aside from being knowledgeable, one must acknowledge and be constantly aware of the importance of ethnic customs and cultural differences. Psychiatrists who emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel, who were raised and educated in totalitarian systems, must develop the flexibility necessary to disengage from preconceptions and learn to flourish in a democratic society. The acculturation process is mutual, and native Israelis need to acquaint themselves with all aspects of Russian history and culture, in order to bond with their immigrant colleagues. At the same time, ethnic sensitivity and sincere involvement in all aspects of Israeli culture are crucial for the immigrant's development of a sense of security in the psychiatric profession and for developing the rapport necessary for treating native Israelis.
Schneidman
Michael
M
Tirat Carmel Mental Health Center, Tirat Carmel, Israel. Michael.schneidman@psy.health.gov.il
Shulkin
Alexander
A
Kurs
Rena
R
D003469:Culture; D004501:Education, Medical; D005550:Foreign Medical Graduates; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*