Humanising Criminality - a medical students perspective on Forensic Psychiatry

Abstract

As a first year undergraduate medical student, I completed a Summer Studentship Placement Program in July 2018. My placement was based in the Psychiatry department at Kings College London. I had a great experience where I learnt many fundamental aspects of psychiatry. This was conducted through lectures, workshops and real life stories of patients. I also had the privilege of living with a Psychiatrist for one week, which gave me an invaluable opportunity for conversations on topics which were not discussed in detail during the week. The summer school was for medical students and junior doctors that had an interest in psychiatry and were seeking insight on whether or not to pursue this field. While the entire week included fascinating lectures, it was the trip to Royal Bethlem Hospital, and the meeting with three patients in the low secure unit that left the biggest impact on my new perspective towards patients, as well as humans in general.