An academic psychiatry training position: Benefits and challenges

Objectives: Encouraging interest in specialist practice in psychiatry is a key aim of both public psychiatric practice and medical student training. We describe the ongoing development and benefits of an accredited trainee position in academic psychiatry based in public mental health services and a graduate medical school. This is discussed in the context of relevant research evidence on psychiatry training and fostering interest in psychiatry. Conclusions: The benefits of an accredited trainee position in academic psychiatry extend beyond the skills gained by the trainee, with flow on effects to medical student teaching, attraction to the local training scheme, and fostering a broader culture of academic engagement and activity. The challenges include maintaining funding for a position over nearly two decades, balancing specialist training requirements with clinical and academic service, and also tailoring the roles for the different interests and skills of academic trainees.