Thus Spake the Specialist

Abstract

This is a report on a seminar conducted to examine the use of psychotherapy by non-psychiatric physicians. Meetings were held weekly, under the direction of a psychiatrist. Participants were practicing physicians representing many fields, including general practice. The case presentations (two are summarized here) evoked lively discussion of numerous basic issues in medical practice (time, fees, drugs, advice, reassurance). The sharing of experiences proved beneficial to all concerned. Often the meetings took on the form of institutionalized “bull sessions.”