How do you pursue forensics?

[pschmom1]

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I have an interest in forensic psychiatry, yet I haven't heard much as far as how one would go about forensics. It's basically just an interest at this point, so I haven't done any significant research on the subject. How do you go about it, I mean from med school and on? I ask this here first b/c there are a certian few on this thread that seem to know a heck of a lot and provide adequate guidence, and you know who you are 😀 Thanks.

 

[Solideliquid]

I have an interest in forensic psychiatry, yet I haven't heard much as far as how one would go about forensics. It's basically just an interest at this point, so I haven't done any significant research on the subject. How do you go about it, I mean from med school and on? I ask this here first b/c there are a certian few on this thread that seem to know a heck of a lot and provide adequate guidence, and you know who you are 😀 Thanks.

Forensics is a speciality of psychiatry, you do a fellowship in it (1 year, i think) after residency.

 

[pschmom1]

Thanks Solid.

 

[asculapius]

You may request an elective (forensic psych) during MS-IV.

 

[pschmom1]

Do you have to do your fellowship immediately after residency or can you practice for a while and then pursue forensics? I think I might be rather interested in this. Ok one more question, if anybody knows this or knows where I could find quality info about this, does a forensic psych pick a side as far defence or prosecution? I was asked this question today. I would assume that if you were to pick a side then I would maybe pick defence, b/c I would assume that you would get more work that way, but I really don't know.

 

[Anasazi23]

You're not a lawyer when you finish a forensic psychiatry fellowship. You are still a psychiatrist. As such, you don't choose to work for either the prosecution or defense. If you choose this line of forensic work, you are employed as a professional witness, and may work for either side, provide information to the court, or may simply give your opinion on a case file without appearing in court at all (case review).

 

[Doc Samson]

Do you have to do your fellowship immediately after residency or can you practice for a while and then pursue forensics? I think I might be rather interested in this. Ok one more question, if anybody knows this or knows where I could find quality info about this, does a forensic psych pick a side as far defence or prosecution? I was asked this question today. I would assume that if you were to pick a side then I would maybe pick defence, b/c I would assume that you would get more work that way, but I really don't know.

One of my supervisors is a well known forensic psychiatrist, and he describes the responsibility of the forensic psychiatrist in court as "to protect the truth from both sides." In other words, you offer your clinical opinion without regard for which side hired you. Of course, if you are hired by the defense, and your opinion is not in line with what they're trying to say, then they are extremely unlikely to call you as a witness. The prosecution are also then unable to call you b/c of conflict of interest. Savvy lawyers sometimes have the top 5 forensic psychiatrists consult on a case (even if they know the opinion is going to hurt them) to prevent the other side from calling them as their own expert witness. The nice part for us in all of this, is that the psychiatrist still gets (well) paid.

 

[Solideliquid]

One of my supervisors is a well known forensic psychiatrist, and he describes the responsibility of the forensic psychiatrist in court as "to protect the truth from both sides." In other words, you offer your clinical opinion without regard for which side hired you. Of course, if you are hired by the defense, and your opinion is not in line with what they're trying to say, then they are extremely unlikely to call you as a witness. The prosecution are also then unable to call you b/c of conflict of interest. Savvy lawyers sometimes have the top 5 forensic psychiatrists consult on a case (even if they know the opinion is going to hurt them) to prevent the other side from calling them as their own expert witness. The nice part for us in all of this, is that the psychiatrist still gets (well) paid.

True 'dat! My attending would get $300/hr, and he would usually bill a minimum of 4 hours per case. If the case would go to court then he would just keep on billing.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Do you have to do your fellowship immediately after residency or can you practice for a while and then pursue forensics? I think I might be rather interested in this.
.

To answer the first part--no, you can "go back" for the fellowship.
I know folks who have done it that way. However, be aware that for most folks, you're taking a BIG cut in pay to go back to being a PGY-5!

 

[pschmom1]

Thanks everyone. 🙂

 

[pschmom1]

Ok, so I've done a tiny bit of research on the topic. I have read that forensic psychiatrists work a lot with the law and such (obviously). Now, obviously I am interested in that aspect, but I still want be a psychiatrist and take care of my patients. Yeah I'm one of those that want to also provide therapy to my patients and I'm not so interested in just doing med checks. I will, and I don't care what anyone says, I will provide therapy for a lot of my patients. I am well aware that if I want to make any money and such I will pick and choose who I provide therapy for, but I really look forward to that aspect of psychiatry. So far, from the tiny bit I have read, forensics is a lot about the law. I would like to be educated on the topic and such, however, I don't want my job to be totally dealing with the law. I guess I may be confused. I love forensics, but I don't want to be TOTALLY forensics. Is that possible? Maybe if anyone knows a forensic psych or more about it they could elaborate. Thanks.

 

[Anasazi23]

Ok, so I've done a tiny bit of research on the topic. I have read that forensic psychiatrists work a lot with the law and such (obviously). Now, obviously I am interested in that aspect, but I still want be a psychiatrist and take care of my patients. Yeah I'm one of those that want to also provide therapy to my patients and I'm not so interested in just doing med checks. I will, and I don't care what anyone says, I will provide therapy for a lot of my patients. I am well aware that if I want to make any money and such I will pick and choose who I provide therapy for, but I really look forward to that aspect of psychiatry. So far, from the tiny bit I have read, forensics is a lot about the law. I would like to be educated on the topic and such, however, I don't want my job to be totally dealing with the law. I guess I may be confused. I love forensics, but I don't want to be TOTALLY forensics. Is that possible? Maybe if anyone knows a forensic psych or more about it they could elaborate. Thanks.

I can't say for sure, but I believe that most forensic psychiatrists have private practices or even salaried positions as their "base" - perhaps 1/2 to 3/4, or even 1/4 time, and do forensics the remaining part of the time. This allows them to maintain an active practice having a good steady income, since forensic work can be spotty depending on where you live. So I think the answer to your question is that you definately can do private work while doing forensics when you'd like.

 

[pschmom1]

Thanks sazi!