Ensuring that forensic psychiatry thrives as a medical specialty in the 21st century

The author contends that forensic psychiatry will thrive as a legitimate medical specialty in the 21st century only if it helps to fulfill the crucial requirement of medical systems in the new health care era. The article presents six basic requirements of future medical systems: effective, efficient, and responsible organizations; quality educational programs of the appropriate type and size; linkage to health care networks; primary care capacity and services; restructured systems for research; and effective leadership. Specific opportunities for forensic psychiatry to help meet these requirements are outlined. The author presents major implications of these opportunities for forensic academicians and practitioners as well as for the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.