Historically, medical education has focused largely on medical students' intellectual development, mostly ignoring the broader psychological milieu of medical practice. This chasm can result in practitioners who are less likely to process their emotions and/or support their patient's needs, and more likely to experience burnout. Self-determination…

A component of a freshman psychiatry course in which students are permitted to pursue independent study in any aspect of the human life cycle is described. Examination of student topics over a three-year period revealed that many chose areas of study relating to significant past personal experiences. (Author/MLW)