Learning and Connecting: A Participant’s Experience in the EPA’s Gaining Experience Program
The next generation of psychiatrists is shaping the future of mental health. It is thus essential to provide them with all the tools necessary to be able to tackle all the challenges they may, and will, face in their careers. The Gaining Experience Programme (GEP) aims to offer early career psychiatrists a short observership placement in various renowned psychiatric institutions in Europe, that will allow them to broaden their clinical, research and teaching skills and knowledge.
Selin Tanyeri Kayahan, one of the participants of GEP 2025, shared with us the reason she joined the programme: “I decided to participate in the Gaining Experience Programme to gain insights into how mental health services are organized and practiced in a different country, as well as within its unique health policy, and to acquire scientific work experience and professional networking opportunities. My preference for the specific placement offered at the Academic Hospital of Montpellier was to observe their post-acute psychiatric care model and pioneering research on suicidology, as one of the leading centers in Europe.”
Those observerships are meant to make the early career psychiatrists learn and grow, to give them the opportunities to attend and work in a different environment. “During my observership, I learned about the multidisciplinary organization of post-acute psychiatric emergency care and follow-up model for patients with suicidal behaviors.” adds Selin.
“One of the prominent interventions was the intravenous ketamine infusion treatment for individuals with acute and post-acute suicidal crisis. Moreover, I became acquainted with the community-based national suicide prevention program in France. I also gained insights into the wealth of scientific methodology, including how to design and conduct a meta-analysis “.
While being in France for her observership, Selin’s stay coincided with “La Semaine du Cerveau” (“Brain Week”), where “science met the real world through the interaction of service users and providers.” During her stay, she had the opportunity to attend clinical meetings, scientific seminars and participate in a research project. “My observership had a well-balanced focus on both clinical and research activities. It was a highly enriching and motivating experience, both professionally and personally”.
The EPA works constantly to bring such experiences to early career psychiatrists. Being able to put them in contact with seniors is a rewarding moment for everyone and a moment that shapes a career. “My GEP experience was invaluable and rewarding from its inception to its final stages. From the application and preparation process to the observership and post-observation period, the EPA GEP project coordinators were quite supportive and in constant communication. My supervisor at the center, Dr. Aiste Lengvenyte, was genuinely helpful and generously shared her knowledge and expertise with me. I would highly recommend joining this programme to all early-career colleagues.”
Asilay Seker, Co-chair of the Early Career Psychiatrists Committee (ECPC) at the EPA, tells us about the role of the GEP. “Gaining Experience Programme (GEP) is a unique opportunity that connects early career psychiatrists with renowned clinical and research institutions across Europe through bespoke exchange placements. These placements also offer a valuable chance to connect with peers, initiate new collaborations, and build lasting professional networks.”
The Gaining Experience Programme was made with the objective of supporting the professional development of early career psychiatrists, especially when they are facing potential obstacles. “The first five years post-specialisation, the phase defined by the EPA as the early career period, is a critical time in the development of a psychiatrist. During this stage, junior psychiatrists are expected to take on consultant-level responsibilities, yet they still require substantial support to build the experience, confidence, and vision needed for their future career paths – whether in clinical practice, academia, medical education, or, as is often the case, a combination of these. Access to an international exchange programme specifically tailored for psychiatrists in this early stage is therefore an invaluable opportunity.”.
Throughout the different editions of this programme, Dr. Seker has had the opportunity to see the increasing demand and appreciation that people had for the GEP. “The consistently positive feedback we receive confirms that this popular and highly successful programme is achieving its mission – thanks to the commitment and support of our placement hosts.”
If you wish to be a part of this enriching and rewarding experience, be ready to register soon ! Learn more here.
