Using the technique of journal writing to learn emergency psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
The authors discuss journal writing in learning emergency psychiatry.


METHODS
The journal of a psychiatry intern rotating through an emergency department is used as sample material for analysis that could take place in supervision or a resident support group. A range of articles are reviewed that illuminate the relevance of journal writing for the learning process, including articles about resident resilience, "autognosis," the learning process in psychiatry, and "limbic music."


RESULTS
Journal writing is a useful tool in consolidating knowledge, and can be used along with traditional exercises for learning psychiatry such as writing chart notes, process notes, and completing required studies for examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatry training should continue to explore the use of journals as residents continue to write them.
Bhuvaneswar
Chaya
C
Outpatient Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Chaya.Bhuvaneswaren@uphs.upenn.edu
Stern
Theodore
T
Beresin
Eugene
E
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010819:Physician's Role; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States; D014956:Writing