A Personal History of Psychiatry in Iraq Through War and Conflict .. A Personal Reflection

Maha Younis, Professor & Consultant in Psychiatry in Baghdad medical college highlighted in a beautiful memorial in Global Psychiatry Journal her experience towards her specialization from her graduation from Mosul medical college in 1981, nearly a four decades of war, sanction & instability in modern Iraq which impacted heavily the health system mainly the psychiatry care . She relives a personal journey since graduation through a long career in psychiatry training and suffering.  

Before she found her calling, however, Maha had to survive her youthful training after graduation including the internship and a tour in general practice in rural area before realizing her dream of becoming a psychiatrist. 

Maha succeeded with her hard work and dedication, becoming a figure in the psychiatry community in Iraq. She lovely recalled the historical establishment and progress of psychiatry care in Iraq, as the field experienced some serious changes. She recalled her many adventures in psychiatry training, the demands of a professional career in psychiatry, and the evolution of her private and family life. 

In her memorial Maha targets physicians & nurses, healthcare administrators & social workers, as well as the evolution of psychiatry care in Iraq. Explore the daily life and responsibilities working both in small town and in the capital in a critical time in Iraq history..  

Looking back on her educational trajectory from medical school, through residency and fellowship as one of the few female psychiatrist in Iraq , and traversing more than 35 years of practice as a physician in psychiatry, she had been witnessed to different realities of progress. Her growth as a physician, her development from a medical student noticed for the 1st time ECT therapy to a confident practitioner of the art and science of psychiatry, has been a journey in self-understanding & notable achievements. She worked hard to fill in gaps in knowledge and add to her repertoire of abilities & to achieve a remarkable record in psychiatry research & publications among her peers.

 Psychiatrists play an essential role in the lives of individuals with mental health issues–a role that goes far beyond the old "distraught patient reclining on a leather couch" trope specially during the era of wars & social conflict.

For the new generations, if you've ever thought about becoming a psychiatrist, there's good news: The field is experiencing rapid growth & Iraq & the middle east countries are in great demand . Part of that growth is related to the diversity of services psychiatrists deliver. Psychiatrists primarily focus on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists can perform a full range of tests, both psychological and laboratory. This function allows psychiatrists to develop a more holistic picture of a patient's mental state, enabling them to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an impactful treatment plan.

Maha journey should be reviewed by all whom practicing psychiatry in Iraq & it is an amazing inspirational memorial how a female physician able to withstand all the obstacles & conflicts in a broken country to achieve her dreams. Thank you Maha

https://doi.org/10.2478/gp-2020-0017