Medical Student Information

A Vibrant and Progressive Community-Based Medical School

Psychiatry is the field of medicine focused on understanding and treating psychological distress and mental health disorders, primarily through the use of talk therapy and medication. Psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) to evaluate a patient’s symptoms to determine whether the patient meets the criteria for a diagnosable disorder.

Psychiatry Department of the Permian Basin is dedicated to the education of future health care professionals. Various opportunities are provided to medical students within TTUHSC as well as in other higher education programs. We are committed to excellence in educational, research, operational, and community activities that benefit medical students’ academic progress.

• In the psychiatry rotation, you will be assigned a senior resident or fellow who will monitor and evaluate your progress. You will learn to diagnose, prevent, and treat mental disorders and illnesses. You will help manage care for patients by making medication adjustments, balancing side effects, and counseling patients when their symptoms change. You may also care for patients in inpatient psychiatric wards when they are a danger to themselves or others or cannot meet their basic needs.
• During the rotation, faculty members provide weekly instruction both in the classroom and online. Each year of study has a specific plan designed to match the learning objectives for that level.
• As part of the clinical rotations, Psychiatry Department of the Permian Basin offers opportunities for medical students to attend mental health events and discuss mental health topics with the public, allowing students to develop a variety of skills that will help them interact effectively with patients.

Our Clinics

For more information please email pbpsychclerkship@ttuhsc.edu