Dr. Raymond Reyes ~

Each of us has chosen to become a psychiatrist, and it is a joy and a privilege to become one, then practice as a psychiatrist. Moments when outcomes are grim tend to be few, and infrequent. Many of you know that I’ve been hurt on the job, and it is not my intention to dwell on the events associated with, as well as following that assault. In this essay I hope to review the need to keep the practicing physician safe in any setting. 

Safety training, primarily intended for residents has been reviewed at the APA Assembly and I suspect it will be implemented at residency programs around the country. I have offered testimony twice, in Reference Committee and subsequently during a Plenary session this month. Looking back on the way I shared my opinion in the May meeting I think I failed to be concise and clear. And so, I was mildly surprised when my words were misinterpreted as opposition to the resolution. But I wasn’t opposed to the action paper, I tried to convey my belief that a program will not in itself keep a psychiatrist safe.

In practice environments where unstable and potentially violent patients are seen, the presence of an attendant, or a peace officer if available, is more likely to ensure a doctor’s safety particularly in combination with safety training. I'll add this sentiment: the pay grade of a practicing or training physician should not dictate their level of safety. At Assembly from[GU1] [SG2]  just 3 weeks ago, during the Plenary session I was approached by an MIT and an ECP. They thanked me for supporting the initiative to improve psychiatrists’ safety in patient encounters. 

An attack is too high a price to pay for trying to help a patient or client. As I write this I’m tempted to go on a tangent. 

There is an old song, Vincent, by Don McLean (alluding to Vincent Van Gogh) a portion of which is “how you suffered for your sanity.” In the life of a psychiatrist, we are challenged in terms of our health and well-being, the same as any person. It is my contention that trauma, while not always preventable, can be reduced if not minimized.

 [GU1]Is this At an Assembly meeting from?

 [SG2]2024 Fall APA Assembly Meeting that occurred Nov. 2nd - 4th in Chantilly, VA