Impact of changes in psychiatric practice on psychiatric education in the USA

The evidence base for the field of psychiatry is rapidly changing in the twenty-first century due to advances in neuroscience that are in the process of being translated into clinical interventions. The delivery systems for mental healthcare are simultaneously undergoing dramatic transformations as the field attempts to meet population needs effectively and efficiently. These changes demand a reconsideration of the content and priorities of psychiatric training programmes for both medical students and residents. This article examines the current state of psychiatric practice, as well as future challenges and potential models of practice, and discusses how these changes are impacting the present needs of trainees. Preparing today's medical students and residents to be active participants in the creation of the mental healthcare delivery system of the future is the key to the success of the specialism and to the welfare of tomorrow's patients.