Jul 26, 2013
Forensic Psychiatry
Right now I’m on a rotation doing substance abuse and forensic psychiatry. Forensic psychiatry has been really fun. It hasn’t been like you see on Law and Order SVU, although I have been able to testify in cases and am now an “expert witness,” which is pretty cool.
My job so far has been to testify on behalf of the hospital to present the case for patients to receive medication against their will. These patients are usually very manic or psychotic, meaning they are not able to think rationally and need the medications to get them back to a logical state of mind.
It’s been good for me to be able to really study and know the patients, since I know I’m going to be grilled about the details of the case. I feel like it helps me be a better psychiatrist to know that I’m going to be accountable in front of people for the patient.
I also really enjoy working with my attending, who makes it fun. I’m seriously considering doing a fellowship at this point.