For addiction psychiatry core competencies, the psychiatry specialist (by the end of PGY V) must be able to:

1. Development of appropriate professional attitudes toward individuals with addiction and concurrent disorders

Including an awareness of critical personal views, prejudices and unhelpful responses; the ability to overcome such negative attitudes and accept substance abusers as bona fide patients, deserving of a full professional commitment; the ability to tolerate the chronic and recurring nature of substance-abuse behaviour; the ability to persevere in the therapeutic effort despite poor patient compliance or limited treatment success; the ability to perceive and identify dependence-driven behaviour, and to interpret accurately the patient's difficulties to follow a treatment plan; the readiness to support disability entitlements on the grounds of addictive disorders; as well as the competence to recognize manipulation and to abstain from fostering maladaptive regression or unwarranted idleness; accepting the chronic, reoccurring nature of addictive illness; that these conditions can affect individuals from every sector of society, including social and professional peers; self-awareness of potential role to contribute to iatrogenic issues (e.g. prescribing medication that might continue or create new addiction issues (e.g. benzodiazipines / px narcotics)).

2. Understand professional obligations to patients and colleagues.

Including being punctual / timely; communication of essential information; upholding the Hippocratic Oath; maintaining confidentiality and understanding when it must be broken to protect the patient and other individuals safety.

3. Exhibit appropriate personal and interpersonal professional behaviours.

Including taking care of one's own mental and physical health; communicating to others in a courteous and non-hostile manner; to insure patient care is maintained if away; maintain honesty and integrity; exercise compassion, empathy and understanding.

These skills will be taught and evaluated in the following manner:

1. Appropriate teaching on these areas through supervisors and more formal teaching formats in PGY I-V (e.g. core seminar series)

2. Observation and feedback by supervisors and other health care workers, as well as from patients.