Goals of education in psychosomatic medicine

The modern concept of psychosomatic medicine is based on a multifactorial, interactional systems model for all diseases in which the behavioral and social dimensions play important roles in the pathogenesis, manifestation, course, and outcome. This psychosomatic approach forms the philosophical underpinning of a modern educational program. A general goal of education for all physicians is understanding the behavioral and psychosocial factors in all illness. Specific goals for the primary physician and the psychiatrist are the instillation of a holistic attitude in patient care through systematic training, and the attainment of skills and knowledge to integrate behavioral and biomedical sciences, respectively. This includes specific diagnostic, treatment, and educational skills. Yale's multilevel educational program in psychosomatic medicine is described.