Fellowship training in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Education goals and standards

Consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry, which focuses on the psychiatric care of patients in medical-surgical settings, has evolved into an increasingly recognized subspecialty. The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, using consultants and a database created from 49 extant C-L fellowship programs, has specified goals and standards for C-L fellowship training. These standards include organizational issues, clinical skills, a didactic curriculum, research training, and evaluation issues. The important contributions of C-L psychiatry to medical education are emphasized.