Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:1576-1581
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychiatric education in Eastern Europe
DR Hawkins
Psychiatry and psychiatric education in the Eastern European countries are
determined by the cultural practices and tradition of the region and the
organizational principles of the U.S.S.R. Medical schools have been
separated from the universities and are under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Health. Soviet psychiatry is less developed in medical
education as compared to the West. A unique feature of Soviet medical
education is the development of student scientific societies where
opportunities exist for more in-depth work in a specialty. Except for a few
select students, postgraduate psychiatric training is shorter and less
rigorous than in the West. Refresher education at a facility far advanced
training is required at 5-year intervals.
