Teaching and Training in Psychiatryin Sri Lanka
摘要
Psychiatric education and training in Sri Lanka have evolved significantly, particularly since the 1990s, with notable changes in the undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula. The introduction of the national core curriculum in 2017 has created greater consistency across the country’s medical faculties, improving exposure to mental health issues for medical students. However, despite these advances, the country still faces challenges, such as the scarcity of qualified psychiatric professionals and the migration of trained specialists. These issues, coupled with the underrepresentation of key areas like child psychiatry and psychotherapy training, highlight the need for further reforms. The training of allied health professionals, including nurses, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, has also advanced, but shortages persist. Upskilling health staff in primary care and the use of digital tools for continuing professional development are promising strategies for addressing treatment gaps. This chapter explores the progress, challenges, and future directions in psychiatric education in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for increased investment in faculty, infrastructure, and training for subspecialties.