Neuropsychology - 'extended' knowledge

[Corona21]

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Hello SDNers,

I am intending to pursue my career as a neuropsychologist with primary interest in research. I am clear on the distinction between an MD and a neuropsychologist (or more broadly, a clinical psychologist), and this thread is not meant to go over the numerous threads that have tried to distinguish the two. However, given that my research focus is centered on neuropsychiatric populations, I am interested in extending my knowledge to the realm of psychiatry (please note, I am not interested in "practicing" psychiatry per se) to provide for a more well-rounded, enriched academic education. Are there any specific, pro-active steps I could take in this direction? Are there any books that could provide for this extended knowledge? Are there any other 'practical' experiences that could help accomplish this? I realize that this may seem unnecessary in the context of the specific research questions I propose to explore, but I am sure the added knowledge will provide for some new perspectives.

Thank you for all your helpful tips and advice,
Corona

 

[CheetahGirl]

Hello SDNers,

I am intending to pursue my career as a neuropsychologist with primary interest in research. I am clear on the distinction between an MD and a neuropsychologist (or more broadly, a clinical psychologist), and this thread is not meant to go over the numerous threads that have tried to distinguish the two. However, given that my research focus is centered on neuropsychiatric populations, I am interested in extending my knowledge to the realm of psychiatry (please note, I am not interested in "practicing" psychiatry per se) to provide for a more well-rounded, enriched academic education. Are there any specific, pro-active steps I could take in this direction? Are there any books that could provide for this extended knowledge? Are there any other 'practical' experiences that could help accomplish this? I realize that this may seem unnecessary in the context of the specific research questions I propose to explore, but I am sure the added knowledge will provide for some new perspectives.

Thank you for all your helpful tips and advice,
Corona

Hi Corona,

I'll give your request a shot, but you may have had more responses if you weren't so vague about your research interests....😎

Based on the information you provided, I would suggest looking into traumatic brain injury (TBI) literature. It is one specific area where neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry meet. Inevitably, you will have to find your own link between the two highly specific fields in your research interests. Read Allan Schore and Dan Siegel (interpersonal neurobiology) who contribute to both fields simultaneously.

Practically, volunteering in TBI or rehab medicine units will give you clinical experience working with this population and inform what specific steps to take next.

By the sounds of your post, it seems like you favor neuropsychiatry (thus the desire to further this particular field)...but, it also sounds like you'd like to pursue the PhD rather than the MD. If you are particularly ambitious, why not pursue an MD/PhD program? You'll be trained as a physician, but you can seek therapy training in stand-alone institutes, such psychoanalytic postdoctoral programs. Then, you'd develop a unique research perspective on neuropsychiatry...maybe you could look at the therapeutic alliance between the clinician and patient during the course of recovery from TBI...just a suggestion. I'm sure that topic is someone's past dissertation, but it's an example of a path that will combine all fields.
Good luck!

 

[Corona21]

Hi CheetahGirl,

First off, thank you for responding. I did not make my post intentionally vague - I presumed that by making it more general, I would be able to garner more responses 🙂 I realize of course, that I was wrong in assuming so! Nevertheless, your post has provided just the kind of feedback I was hoping to get. I am an international student, so having double the amount of loans (MD/PhD) (PhD is not always completely covered for international students) would be quite the step to take! - I have considered it as several points though - as well as advised to go that way.

I appreciate your recommendations. The two authors you noted, (and especially the first!) are of great interest to me. Thank you so much for that!

Best,
Corona