Sir: Specialist registrars in psychiatry should consider spending their special interest sessions doing a placement in a public health department. I have just completed a placement, 1 day per week for 6 months, and found it a very valuable addition to my training.
Although particularly useful for those training in substance misuse, there are benefits to be gained in the broader remits of training. My placement was based around the writing of a formal report, which taught me a great deal about data sources, needs assessment and service organisation. The necessary literature searches and liaison with colleagues increased my knowledge of my own speciality.
I also gained good management experience, and enhanced my IT skills. It was useful to appreciate a different and wider viewpoint on the health service and appreciate the positive impact that public health has to offer on mental health service planning.
I am happy to give further details of my experience to interested colleagues, who may wish to arrange their own placement.
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