Becoming a successful division psychiatrist: guidelines for preparation and duties of the assignment

Little attention is given in psychiatry residency programs to preparing graduates to occupy division psychiatry slots. The first part of this paper discusses several guidelines: preparations to make before leaving for a new post; immediate steps to take upon arrival; the place of the Division Mental Health Service in a division structure; and general observations about how best to obtain credibility with line soldiers. The second part focuses on general and specific duties of the assignment, and discusses some common clinical problems. The paper is intended to help the new division psychiatrists have an effective and productive tour. Many sections will be applicable to general medical officers and other health care workers leaving for a division assignment.