[Half-yearly evaluation of specialist residency]

The author describes experience from regular half-yearly evaluations carried out since 1988 at the psychiatric department in Stavanger. The head of the department, the chief psychiatrist on the resident's ward, the psychotherapy instructor, the resident and the leader of the education committee take part in these 45 minute long meetings. A report is written after each evaluation. This is used as a basis for the candidate's certification from the department. All participants find the half-yearly evaluations rewarding. Weak and strong aspects of the candidate and her/his progress, the education programme and the quality of the instruction can be discussed. In the end a plan is prepared for the education during the next six months for the particular candidate. The persons in charge find half-yearly evaluations especially useful when a candidate is not found to be suited for this particular speciality. When several share this opinion it is also easier to get the candidates themselves to understand and accept the situation. We warmly recommend this arrangement for other specialities too.