Psychoanalytic teaching in medical education

The author sent a questionnaire to directors of medical student education in psychiatry to determine the role of psychoanalytic concepts in medical education. Practically all of the 66 respondents indicated that psychodynamic theory had been incorporated into major required courses. More than half considered the concepts of defense mechanism countertransference, transference, and dynamic unconscious necessary to general education. The author concludes that psychoanalytic principles will continue to provide a unique view into illness behavior and the doctor-patient relationship.