As the Middle East region observes Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the focus on psychological well-being has never been more critical. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion worldwide are living with mental health disorders and is a major global concern.
In the UAE, a study has shown that stress is a key issue at work environments for 89 per cent of people while 99 per cent of respondents saying they have experienced at least one burnout symptom. Data has also shown that mental health is now a top workplace risk, according to 70 per cent of individuals with one in three people reporting high work-related stress.
These developments underscore the ongoing need for accessible and effective mental health care. St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights the role of medical education in preparing future physicians to address mental health challenges through training in psychiatry and patient-centered care.
SGU emphasizes an approach to psychiatry education that encourages students to engage with patients thoughtfully and respectfully, recognizing the importance of understanding individual experiences. “Psychiatry reminds us that medicine is not only about treating disease, but about understanding people,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar, Associate Chair of Psychiatry (US) and Professor of Medicine at SGU.
She added: “The most important humanistic lesson I impart to my students is that we are all humans, all worthy of the same dignity. Unfortunately, we still encounter stigma against psychiatric patients within the healthcare system and our broader society, and we need to remember that every person is doing the best they can. The empathy and communication skills you can practice in your psychiatric rotation will make a big difference in whatever area of medicine you choose to practice in.”
For students in the Middle East who would like to pursue psychiatry, SGU outlines several potential areas of focus, including:
- Specific patient populations, such as those defined by diagnosis, cultural background, or forensic considerations.
- Particular treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, or interventional psychiatry.
- Diverse care settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, residential programs, partial hospitalization programs, or emergency departments.
In addition to academic training, SGU incorporates student well-being considerations into its programs. These include maintaining structured schedules to balance life and rest, cultivating strong support systems with peers and mentor networks, engaging in hobbies outside of academics or work to relieve stress, and recognizing when to step back and seek support.
Through its MD programs, SGU aims to prepare medical graduates with both clinical competencies and an awareness of patient-centered care principles. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, SGU remains dedicated to training doctors who are prepared to meet evolving mental health needs with both skill and deep-seated empathy.
For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.
