Experience in the Specialty-Oriented Psychiatry Internship at Hospital Carlos Van Buren in Valparaíso

Abstract

The Specialty-Oriented Psychiatry Internship at Hospital Carlos Van Buren was both a formative and deeply personal experience. My family connection to Valparaíso provided an emotional backdrop that enriched the clinical learning process undertaken with the Adult Psychiatry team. Active participation in interdisciplinary meetings, consults, and teaching activities allowed me to appreciate the complexity of mental health care and the importance of a biopsychosocial approach within demanding hospital settings. The internship also strengthened the link between primary care and hospital-based psychiatry, broadening my understanding of the trajectory of psychiatric conditions and the timely interventions required at each stage of care. This experience enhanced both clinical and human competencies, highlighting the value of presence, attentive listening, and humility in medical practice, and reinforced my commitment to mental health upon returning to primary care.