Postgraduate psychiatry training in the Middle East: Challenges and regional solutions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents a comparative overview of postgraduate psychiatry training programs across the Middle East. Drawing on national training frameworks and peer-reviewed literature, it highlights the diversity in educational models, including curricula, training methods, assessment methods, accreditation processes, training durations, and subspecialty pathways in the region. Common challenges such as workforce shortages, curriculum variability and disruptions caused by conflict are examined alongside regional efforts toward harmonization and quality improvement. By identifying both innovative practices and persistent gaps, this review contributes to global mental health education and offers targeted, evidence-based recommendations to enhance psychiatry training in the region. • This review systematically examines postgraduate psychiatry training programs across Middle Eastern countries, highlighting variations in structure, accreditation and subspecialty offerings. • It identifies key regional challenges, including the impact of political instability, workforce shortages and uneven training capacity. • The analysis underscores disparities between high-income Gulf states with internationally accredited programs and conflict-affected regions with minimal local training infrastructure. • Recommendations include establishing a pan-regional accreditation framework, expanding accredited fellowship opportunities, and prioritizing capacity-building in conflict zones. • The review advocates for enhanced collaboration through workforce data monitoring and cross-border research consortia to strengthen psychiatric education and mental health service delivery.
Source: Asian Journal of Psychiatry
Institutions: Ministry of Health, University of Kent
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,820
OpenAlex ID: W4414998652