How to Get Into: Intellectual Disability Psychiatry ST4

Courses & Conferences to Attend

•  Royal College of Psychiatrist International Congress 
• The Joint Pan-London conference with Forensic and Intellectual Disability higher trainees
• Faculty of Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability Annual Conference
• UK Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability Trainee Conference
• British Pakistan Psychiatrists Association Conference
• ADOS and ADI-R training
• Simulation course
• An Introduction to the Open Dialogue approach
• Introductory weekend in Group Analysis
• Learning to be Educators And Facilitators (LEAF) Course
• Mentoring Masterclass
• Medical school Introduction to Clinical Teaching
• Basic life support 
• Advanced Life support

Attend RCPsych International Congress and try to present poster 

Learning to be Educators and Facilitators (LEAF) course and Introduction to Clinical Teaching are great courses

ALS and/or BLS

How to Maximise Your Portfolio

Always start early. Look at portfolio requirements for specialty and also start to look at what is needed for CT3. Manage your time effectively. 

Try to participate in audits and get involved in quality improvement projects. A lot of trust offer QI training as well, get yourself enrolled and start a project with QI team support. Also look for opportunities for research. You can write your projects in journals and also do poster presentations. 

Get involved with Royal College of Psychiatrists. 

Also participate in teachings, along with local teaching look out for opportunities in regional teachings.

Making the Most of Your Day Job

Be proactive and talk to your supervisors about your interests and your aims for professional development. Aim to secure a job with Intellectual Disability in your Core Psychiatry training. Spend time with your other MDT Colleagues like Psychologists, Occupation Therapist and Speech and Language therapist to understand MDT working and what they offer for holistic care plans for patients. Try to attend multiple conferences and network at conferences. Do not be shy to ask for help. For interviews practice as much as you can. Get involved in leadership and management opportunities for example being representative for junior doctors or organiser for teachings and conferences.

Making the Most of Intellectual Disability Psychiatry ST4 Placements

Enjoy. Be engaged and integrate with the team. 

Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability has lots to offer make the most of it. We work with patients and their carer to deliver holistic care which is personalised. You get to learn how mental health can present differently in people with learning disability. There are loads of special interests you can develop. You can learn about Autism, ADHD. Epilepsy or genetic syndromes and learn impact of different conditions and comorbidities on mental health.

What About Non-Intellectual Disability Psychiatry ST4 Placements?

Learn about transferable skills for example strong communication skills can be worked on in any speciality which will help you later on. I think it is particularly important when you are working in learning disability as you have to pick on non-verbal communication as well and think of ways to engage with people who either have limited speech or are non verbal. Working with Multidisciplinary teams is helpful and learning how different teams work. Learn how to make personalised care plans and can be adapted according to needs of individuals and their circumstances.

Top 3 Tips for Getting Into Intellectual Disability Psychiatry ST4

• Be Proactive.

  Show interest and make the most of professional opportunities. Engage and inform colleagues of your interest this will help you to know if any projects are going on in which you can take part and that way you maximise your opportunities.

• Start Early.

  Although it may seem long but time goes really quickly. It is always best to get done with things in advance.

• Take care of your wellbeing as well.

  You can deliver best care if you are taking care of your wellbeing too. Keep good work and life balance. If you are overwhelmed speak to your supervisors and seek support if needed.