Frequently Asked Questions
When are Extreme Psychiatry sessions?
Where does Extreme Psychiatry take place?
Who can attend?
What if I’m not a King’s College, London student? Can I still apply?
Why do you only have limited places?
What if I just come to the lectures?
How do I apply?
What if I don’t get on the course?
How do I get the most out of Extreme Psychiatry?
What should I do once I get to the classroom?
What should I do if I’m going to be late?
What should I do if I can’t make a session due to unforeseen circumstances?
What should I do if I’m having difficulties with the course?
Ok, I finished the course and my Tuesdays feel boring and bare now. How can I assuage the pain and soothe my sense of loss?
If you have questions which aren’t answered here, please either contact us via extremepsychiatry@gmail.com or add your question to the comments section at the bottom of this page.
When are Extreme Psychiatry sessions?
Sessions take place on Tuesday evenings between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, though students may enter from 5.15pm. Each term lasts eight weeks and students are expected to commit for the full term. The dates for 2015-16 are:
Autumn 2015: 27th October – 15th December 2015
Spring 2016: 12th January – 1st March 2016
Summer 2016: 3rd May – 21st June 2016
Where does Extreme Psychiatry take place?
Sessions take place in the Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH. This is a King’s College, London building and not open to general members of the public.
Who can attend?
We have places for up to 32 third year medical students from King’s College, London School of Medicine (KCLSoM). Places are only given for students during their NOP (Neurology, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry) rotation. We try to prioritise students who are struggling with psychiatry, communication skills or the ICE (Incremental Clinical Examination), but we consider applications from all students including those who are just really enthusiastic about the subject.
What if I’m not a King’s College, London student? Can I still apply?
Sadly at present we only have the resources to teach medical students from KCL. However should the KCLSoM students leave spaces on our course, we have in the past offered these to students from other medical schools. This doesn’t happen very often (and in fact we are usually significantly oversubscribed), but we are happy to be contacted if you wish to find out if we have any spare places. You are also welcome to follow Extreme Psychiatry on our Twitter feed.
Why do you only have limited places?
We aim to provide an intensive course with a low ratio of students to team members, allowing those on the course to really practice their clinical interviewing skills. As such, feedback has consistently shown that students do not wish to have larger groups. Role-play sessions take place in small groups with eight students.
What if I just come to the lectures?
We feel that it is important to keep uniformity throughout the course, so we do not permit students to attend only the lectures or only the role-play sessions. The lectures and role-play sessions are designed to complement each other. However the information in the lectures is also covered in Psychiatry PRN, which is based on the Extreme Psychiatry course.
How do I apply?
You need fill in the form, which you can find here. We accept applications in advance throughout the year, but you will only be able to take part in the course during your psychiatry rotation.
What if I don’t get on the course?
There is a waiting list for students who don’t make the initial 32 students, but who would like to be offered a place should anyone drop out. In the meantime you can follow us on Twitter. We will automatically place students on the waiting list if they have not been allocated a place, and will let them know as soon as one becomes available.
How do I get the most out of Extreme Psychiatry?
What should I do once I get to the classroom?
The room will open at 5.15pm. When you arrive sign in with one of the Peer Facilitators – we are strict about attendance and don’t want to wrongly think that you missed a session! Take a seat near the front of the class and get your pens out, then relax until we kick off at 5.30pm.
What should I do if I’m going to be late?
if possible contact us ahead of time by e-mail. Apologies mean a lot to us. Please do not disrupt the teaching if you come in late: take a seat until a natural break occurs for you to sign in with a Peer Facilitator and find out where you’re meant to be. If you are very late and arrive after the lecture has finished, go straight to your role-play room. Again please do not disrupt the session when you come in.
What should I do if I can’t make a session due to unforeseen circumstances?
Contact us immediately. Again an apology will go a long way, as will a decent reason for non-attendance. Remember that you can only obtain an attendance certificate if you have come to at least seven sessions, and that you will lose your place if you miss two sessions. Think hard before skipping a session!
What should I do if I’m having difficulties with the course?
Contact us. We will arrange for you to meet up with two of the Extreme Psychiatrists to discuss the problem.
Ok, I finished the course and my Tuesdays feel boring and bare now. How can I assuage the pain and soothe my sense of loss?
Apply here to come and join us as a Peer Facilitator.
Extreme Psychiatry | Ex Ψ 