As a PA In psychiatry, I have accrued approximately 10 years of rich and vast experience in the mental health field. My patient caseload consists of patients ranging from 4 years to 99 years young. I primarily treat patients with ADHD, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, grief, etc.  I see a diverse patient caseload, and my specialty in practice is treating children and adolescents.

Prior to embarking as a career as a PA, I worked in the public education field as a school psychologist. So, my years in education and patient care have ensured a wealth of information. As a PA, I have been an active Preceptor for approximately 8 years. I have been a Preceptor for PA students, pre-PA students, nursing students, nurse practitioner students, nurse practitioners, and medical students. I have lost count of the thousands of hours that I have invested as a preceptor, and I actively teach and engage teaching students on a daily basis as I treat my mental health patients.

So, after years and years of providing these students with the same tips, I deduced that it would make things a little more helpful to record these topics en masse.

Before I delve into my top suggestions, I do want to make a note that this Article is written for my own personal professional reflection and recommendations, and this piece is not a statement of any universities that I am affiliated with. In other words, any tips or suggestions that I make are not standard requirements required by any specific universities, but they are helpful tips that can help any aspiring PA or pre-PA as they embark upon their mental health rotation.

At the same time, I do want to note that this article will be written from their perspective as a PA working in mental health via telemedicine, particularly on a zoom platform. Some of the recommendations differ for in-person clinic rotations, so be sure to keep my work environment in mind as I delve into this article.

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare:

If you are reading this as a PA student or pre-PA student, think about the anticipation of PA school.  As you were working towards acceptance into PA school, a great amount of time was invested in the preparation. That preparation included a surplus of studying, shadowing PAs, and preparing for PA school interviews. Similarly, it is important to prepare for your mental health rotation. As a Preceptor, I do not expect students to come in with the ease of interviewing psychiatric patients or knowing all of the drug interactions.   At a later date, I will offer specific preparatory books and resources that I recommend.  

2. Communicate:

Communication is the key in all relationships, but as you prepare for your mental health rotation, I recommend that you initiate communication with your Preceptor early.  I recommend that students contact their Preceptors at least one week prior to the start of the rotation. Please email first and inquire about the Preceptor’s preference for communication, whether email, phone, or text. Ask your Preceptor about their preferences for attire, office hours, roles, and patient involvement expectation. For example, I ask my students to dress in business casual and to refrain from wearing a white coat (even on Zoom) as many of my patients have experienced white coat syndrome. Also, since my students connect with my patients and myself on Zoom, I expect them to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the appointment. I also outline that eating, drinking, smoking, and laying down during appointments are unprofessional and unacceptable.

3. Bring your Enthusiasm:

As mentioned, I have spent thousands of hours with students of diverse backgrounds. I have been a Preceptor for nurse practitioners wanting to extend their education to attain their PMHNP. I have had students from remote islands in Alaskan villages, Oregon, large metropolitan cities, and good ole West TX. I was recently struck by the enthusiasm of a Pre-PA student. She showed up with a huge smile on her face and exuded a willingness to glean knowledge. At that point, I realized that I had not seen so much excitement and enthusiasm from students on their final rotation or nearing the conclusion of their education. Now, I completely understand.  As a former PA student, myself, I know the sheer exhaustion of school and wrapping up your final rotation.  Enthusiasm is contagious, and as a Preceptor, I am encouraged to see new zeal about the profession.  I’d recommend not to tell your Preceptor, “I really have NO interest in Mental Health.”  Or “I really don’t like talking to people, so I’ve been dreading this rotation.”  As a small percentage of PAs practicing in Psychiatry, I understand that it is not for everyone, but I’d rather see a student who exhibits a positive attitude. 

4. Be Kind to My Staff: nurses, receptionists, the janitor.

This is Big one, and it is self-explanatory.  As a Preceptor, I watch students’ attitudes towards my nurse, staff, and my support team.  It is always good to treat these people with utmost respect.  

5. Express Gratitude & Adopt it as a Way of Life:

I saved the BEST and most important tip for last.  Please realize that there are a LOT of students and programs trying to track down Preceptors.  Most of your Preceptors are giving of their time, talent, and energy because they love to teach and want to help the next generation of health care professionals.  So, I recommend that all of my students write a hand-written thank you letter to their Preceptors.  I believe this is a quality of Professionalism.  An email or a text do not suffice, but a note, which shows you took the time to think it out, and put it in the mail, goes a long way.  When I was a PA student, I wrote my Preceptors thank you letters and sometimes brought the special one’s coffee.  Trust me, the thought does count, and when you stand out as gracious and thoughtful, it goes a long way when you later ask for a Recommendation letter or endorsement.  Finally, I encourage you to adopt Gratitude as a way of life.  Give with open hands and pay it forward.   

Thanks so much for joining us.  

Be Blessed, 

Dr. K