Boston University Medical Center Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Boston University Medical Center Program provides a comprehensive and integrative training environment for aspiring physicians in the fields of Family Medicine and Psychiatry. This ACGME-accredited program is meticulously designed to produce dual-trained physicians who are adept in both specialties1. The program follows guidelines from the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, ensuring a well-rounded approach to medical education1. Residents are encouraged to tailor their learning experiences to accommodate their individual interests within these fields, fostering both personal and professional growth throughout the residency1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency spans five years and is structured to maximize learning and skill development across both specialties. Each postgraduate year (PGY) offers distinct training opportunities:

• PGY1: Residents undergo 32 weeks of Family Medicine and 20 weeks of Psychiatry. Rotations include Community Medicine, Inpatient Family Medicine, Inpatient Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Neurology, Inpatient Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry3.

• PGY2: The second year emphasizes emergent primary care, psychiatry, and integrated behavioral health. Residents gain experience in Inpatient Family Medicine, Outpatient Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Gynecology, Inpatient Surgery, Emergency Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Integrated Behavioral Health3.

• PGY3: This year focuses on fostering competencies in Family Medicine (12 weeks) and allows for extensive exposure to Outpatient Psychiatry (40 weeks)3.

• PGY4: Residents strengthen their skills in both outpatient and inpatient care. Rotations include Emergency Pediatrics, Newborn Nursery, Obstetrics, Electives, Consult Liaison Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Outpatient Psychiatry, and Integrated Behavioral Health-Pediatrics3.

• PGY5: The final year emphasizes integration and further specialization with electives. Rotations include Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Ophthalmology/ENT, Gynecology, Child Psychiatry, Behavioral Neurology, and additional electives according to resident preferences3.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents benefit from diverse training environments provided by several key facilities in and around Boston. Rotations are conducted at the following sites:3

• VA Boston at Causeway
• Bedford VA
• Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center
• Bournewood Hospital
• Boston Medical Center
• South End Community Health Center
• VA West Roxbury

These sites offer a wide range of patient populations and clinical challenges, contributing to a well-rounded and experiential learning environment3.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Prospective applicants apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and must participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The application must include three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a psychiatrist and one from a medical professional. Additional required components include a Medical School Transcript, Personal Statement, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter, and USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX Part I and Part II scores2. Applications from International Medical Graduates are accepted through ECFMG.

Visa Support

Boston Medical Center sponsors the J-1 Visa exclusively. International applicants must ensure compliance with visa requirements as part of their application process2.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency program, allowing residents to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to advancements in medicine. The emphasis on research provides residents with the skills necessary to critically appraise scientific literature and apply evidence-based practices in their professional careers.

Unique Program Features

The program is uniquely positioned to offer integrated training in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, providing a holistic approach to patient care across multiple specialties. The strong emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient experiences ensures residents are well-prepared to address a diverse array of medical and psychiatric conditions1. Additionally, the program encourages personalized education tailored to residents' interests1.

Fellowship Opportunities

Following residency, numerous fellowship opportunities are available within the Psychiatry Department. These include Addiction Psychiatry, Community Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and the BUMC-MGH Global Psychiatric Clinical Research Training Program, which provides international training opportunities4.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program recognizes the importance of resident well-being and offers comprehensive support systems designed to promote mental health and resilience. This emphasis on wellness ensures trainees can maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing professional excellence in their medical careers.