INTRODUCTION: The last decades have witnessed great advances in the field of Psychiatry, and the study of this discipline has become more complex. Advances in neurosciences as well as in classic studies on psychopathology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and neurology have helped psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, Brazilian psychiatric medical residency programs did not adapt themselves to this new reality. OBJECTIVES AND METHOD: Based on the recommendations of the World Psychiatry Association (WPA), we analyzed residency programs in Brazil and also in other countries in America and Europe. Based on the WPA's Core Training Curriculum for Psychiatry, we propose a minimum curriculum for psychiatry residency in Brazil. DISCUSSION: Most of the programs had in common: duration of at least three years; full-time neurology training lasting at least one month; training in psychopathology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapic theories, psychiatric emergencies, among other courses; teaching and practice in several psychotherapic traditions; human development (childhood, adulthood and elderly); alcohol and drugs; free time for personal development (so that the trainee can engage in therapy, studies or research projects). CONCLUSION: Brazilian psychiatric residency programs are not up to date in relation to the training criteria proposed by the WPA (and adopted in several countries, including in Latin America). Based on the WPA model, residency programs in Brazil need to ensure that psychiatric residents will be provided the minimum necessary requirements for good quality training, respecting regional differences.
Medical residency; psychiatry; curriculum; quality; postgraduate; psychotherapy; teaching