Department Overview
The department of Psychiatry comprises both undergraduate (both generic and post-basic psychiatric nursing) and postgraduate programs (Integrated clinical and community mental health). The department has been actively involved in teaching-learning activities, engaged in various mental health research projects, and has provided community mental health services since its establishment in 2007. Over the past 11 years, many psychiatric nurses have graduated from the program. In 2023, the department launched an MSc program in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health (ICCMH). Currently, the department serves over 91 undergraduate and 19 postgraduate students. It also has 7 academic staff.
Strategic Objectives
The department aims to achieve excellence through the following strategic goals:
Core Objectives
- Enhance academic excellence in psychiatry through curriculum innovation and faculty development.
- Strengthen research capacity in mental health and psychosocial disciplines.
- Expand access to mental health services through community engagement and partnerships.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences and social sciences.
- Support national mental health policy goals through evidence-based education and service delivery.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Psychiatry Department is dedicated to advancing mental health education, research, and clinical practice.
Primary Mandates
- Delivering undergraduate and postgraduate training in psychiatry.
- Conducting problem solving research on mental health problems relevant to the Ethiopian context.
- Providing community-based mental health services and outreach.
- Collaborating with hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies to improve mental health care.
- Promoting mental health awareness and advocacy through public engagement.
- Design, implement, and evaluate curricula that address current healthcare needs.
- Strengthening collaborations with various stakeholders.
- Ensure continuous quality improvement in teaching and learning.
Operational Duties
To fulfill its mission, the department undertakes the following tasks:
Core Tasks
- Develop and revise academic programs in psychiatry and related fields.
- Recruit and mentor qualified academic staff.
- Organize clinical placements, field visits, and community service programs.
- Monitor student progress and provide academic advising.
- Manage departmental budgets, procurement, and resource allocation.
- Maintain infrastructure and learning environments conducive to mental health training.
- Coordinate research activities and ensure ethical compliance.
- Facilitate workshops, seminars, and continuing education for professionals.
Major Activities
Key initiatives driving the department’s success.
Academic Training
- Offering core psychiatry courses and expanding into postgraduate ICCMH programs.
Clinical Supervision
- Placements in affiliated hospitals like Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital for hands-on training.
Research Projects
- Studies on maternal mental health, psychosocial challenges, and psychiatric nursing practices.
Academic Programs
Discover our specialized curriculum and degree pathways