Welcome to your clinical rotation with the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences.   Our faculty and staff are looking forward to working with you. 

The primary goal of the Psychiatry Clerkship is to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of the psychiatric assessment and the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness, including the common medical and neurological disorders that relate to the practice of psychiatry.  The dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the lives of patients will be studied.  The student should gain an appreciation of the impact that psychiatric illness can have on the lives of the patient and the family members.  Additionally, we anticipate that the student will gain some insight about himself, not only as a person, but also as a physician and caregiver. 

Students will spend 4 weeks at one of four locales:  University of Virginia, Western State Hospital in Staunton, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, or the Carilion Roanoke Health System.  At each site, students will have the opportunity to interact with and care for patients with a variety of psychiatric problems and in a variety of settings (inpatient units, outpatient clinics, emergency department and consultation-liaison services).  Our hope is that you will become an active member of the treatment team, and in doing so, will find the clerkship to be an educational and rewarding experience. 

Psychiatric disorders and behavioral principles are pertinent to most fields of medicine.  We hope your experience on this clerkship will stimulate you to develop and refine your abilities as an effective physician.  Again, on behalf of the entire faculty and staff, welcome to the Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Clerkship.

Pamila Herrington, M.D.
Clerkship Director

Rebecca Hensley
Clerkship Coordinator