1. Psychosomatic Medicine Interest Group
Presenter:
Neil V. Puri, MD
Mentors:
Priya Gopalan, MD
Pierre N. Azzam, MD

2. Objectives
Create a Psychosomatic Medicine Interest Group (PMIG) for residents that will:
Increase residents’ PM knowledge
Increase residents’ interest in PM
Increase residents’ opportunities for PM mentorship
Increase the growth of residents as teachers/mentors

3. PMIG Design Recruitment
The PMIG was advertised by an to all psychiatric residents
Psychiatric residents volunteered to participate in the PMIG
PM faculty volunteered to provide supervision for the PMIG

4. PMIG Design Meetings The PMIG meets monthly
Each meeting has a theme consistent with one of the APS core topics
Meetings consist of a resident led case discussion and literature review
Meetings occur at a member’s house over dinner

5. PMIG Design Data Collection
PMIG members provide anonymous feedback at the end of each meetings
PMIG members are surveyed every six months about how much the PMIG has: increased their PM knowledge, increased their interest in PM, increased their skills as teachers/mentors, and provided them opportunities for PM mentorship.

6. PMIG Design Educational Technology
We have found using virtual white boards very helpful
We use online surveys to gather data

7. Number of Participants
Results – The Meetings
Session
Topic
Number of Participants
Case 1
Neurology 10
60 y/o female with bizarre neurological complaints who was discovered to have Cotard’s Syndrome 2
Renal/Ethics 5
52 y/o female refusing hemodialysis due to depression 3 GI 6
24 y/o female with recurrent ingestion of foreign objects 4
Nutrition
52 y/o male with Korsakoff’s psychosis
Women’s Health
36 y/o female with T6 paraplegia, baclofen pump, and seizure disorder who becomes psychotic after delivery

8. Results – End of the Meeting Survey
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Average
The meeting was interesting and held my attention
9.9
9.6
9.67
9.72
The meeting was a good blend of didactic teaching and active learning
9.5
9.4
9.66
The meeting allowed for discussion/questions as needed
9.8
9.69
The presenters/ facilitators for the meeting appeared to be well-prepared
The materials used in the meeting were helpful
9.7
9.2
9.83
9.56
The meeting was useful for me in improving my clinical practice
9.34
9.53
Based on 1-10 Likert scale with 1 being “Strongly Disagree” and 10 being “Strongly Agree”

9. Results – Six Month Survey
Question
Average Score
Prior to joining the PMIG, I was considering a career in psychosomatic medicine.
7.79
Participating in the PMIG has increased my interest in psychosomatic medicine.
8.67
Participating in the PMIG has influenced me to pursue a career in psychosomatic medicine.
7.89
Participating in the PMIG has increased my knowledge of psychosomatic medicine.
8.11
Participating in the PMIG has helped me gain a better understanding of the biological, psychological, and social components of diseases.
8.00
Participating in the PMIG has given me opportunities for mentorship.
8.45
Participating in the PMIG has given me opportunities to be a mentor.
6.56
Participating in the PMIG has improved my teaching skills.
7.33
Based on 1-10 Likert scale with 1 being “Strongly Disagree” and 10 being “Strongly Agree”

10. Results – Residents Enjoy the PMIG!
“It has all worked well! Really enjoying it!”
“I like going to someone's house and having snacks. It is social and fun, but I also learn a lot.”

11. Discussion – Objectives
Increase residents’ PM knowledge
Increase residents’ interest in PM
Increase residents’ opportunities for PM mentorship
Increase the growth of residents as teachers/mentors

12. Discussion – Objectives
Residents that signed up for the PMIG are already interested in PM
The PMIG has helped increase residents’ interest in PM
Residents find the PMIG has helped improve their knowledge of PM, their understanding of the biopsychosocial components of disease, and their clinical practice
The PMIG has influenced participants to pursue careers in PM
The PMIG offers opportunities for mentorship
Residents participants feel less strongly that the PMIG has given them opportunities for to be mentors or improve their teaching skills.
Of the 12 people that have participated in the PMIG year this year 4 are PGY 1s, 5 are PGY 2s, 2 are PGY 3s, and 1 is a PGY 4. There is a clear majority of junior residents and this may contribute to the results that residents feel they are being mentored and taught, but perhaps not having as many opportunities to be mentors or teachers.

13. Discussion – Other Benefits!
Members have learned about the APS
Members of the PMIG have collaborated on PM related projects
Lecture series to internal medicine residents
Posters and papers

14. Discussion – Future Directions
Gather additional data
Surveying participants on their interest prior to entering the group may better track changes
Follow up on participant’s eventual career choices
Invite expert attendings from other departments
Invite residents from other departments
Create a formal mentorship program within the PMIG
Collaborations with PMIGs from other institutions
Based on our success, other departments could consider developing resident interest groups

15. Thank You! Special thanks to: The APS Priya Gopalan, MD
Pierre N. Azzam, MD

16. Questions or Comments?