Article Title

Editor's Column

Authors

Edward Kim, M.D., Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow

Abstract

As a senior medical student applying to residency programs, I became acquainted with the term "eclecticism." Many programs described themselves as "eclectic"; it appealed to the progressive, pluralistic spirit in all of us. Yet it implied, erroneously I believe, that limiting the foci of psychiatric resident education was neither necessary nor desirable. The regressive appeal of eclecticism lies in the denial that all true commitments entail some relinquishment of other possibilities; the pleasures of socialization are bought through the renunciation of defecating or urinating at the slightest urge. The hypothetical eclectic psychiatrist has given up none of his or her grandiose aspirations to master the entire biopsychosocial universe. The end result is breadth without depth, a caricature of versatility.

Recommended Citation

Kim, M.D., Edward (1991) "Editor's Column," Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29046/JJP.009.2.008
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffjpsychiatry/vol9/iss2/2