Butler Hospital/Brown University Program

The Brown University Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior offers a comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship training program designed to equip future leaders in the field with the necessary skills and knowledge for the care of older adults facing psychiatric challenges. This ACGME-approved 12-month fellowship program emphasizes both clinical training and didactic education, thus creating a robust educational environment for fellows.

During the fellowship year, trainees engage in a diverse array of clinical experiences across multiple settings. Rotations include the Geriatric Inpatient Unit, Consultation-Liaison service, VA outpatient geriatric psychiatry clinic, Movement disorders clinic, as well as nursing homes and home-based health care. Additionally, outpatient geriatric medicine and neuropathology experiences are part of the program’s offerings. Fellows are provided the opportunity to explore elective rotations in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), enhancing their skill set in innovative treatment modalities 1.

The program incorporates clinical teaching at several renowned healthcare facilities, including Butler Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence Veterans Administration Hospital, and Kent Hospital. Here, fellows receive supervision from faculty members who are board-certified geriatric psychiatrists committed to excellent mentorship 1.

Curriculum and Didactic Training

Fellows participate in a structured didactic series coordinated with Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Medicine fellowships at Brown University. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics pertinent to geriatric care in both medicine and psychiatry, equipping fellows with theoretical knowledge that complements their practical experiences. Didactic sessions include journal clubs, case presentations, and interdisciplinary cases 1.

Research Opportunities

The faculty involved in the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship program actively participate in research related to geriatric mental health issues, offering fellows opportunities to engage in research projects pertinent to depression, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive disorders prevalent in the aging population. Fellow involvement in research is encouraged, fostering a deeper understanding of the clinical and scientific aspects of geriatric psychiatry 1.

Affiliated Training Sites

Fellows gain extensive training through various affiliated hospitals. Butler Hospital features a cutting-edge 20-bed inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit, aimed at patients aged 65 and older suffering from conditions like memory disorders, depression, and anxiety. The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital provides interdisciplinary evaluations and treatments for patients with cognitive impairments 1.

At The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, fellows encounter a wide variety of geriatric psychiatry services, including outpatient psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and specialized programs targeting dementia caregiving and neuropsychological assessments. The nursing home psychiatry consultation program provides vital psychiatric services within long-term care facilities, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team 1.

The conference setting at the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center allows fellows to work with older veterans facing varied psychiatric disorders, under the supervision of experienced geriatric psychiatrists. Kent Hospital also plays a significant role, offering experience in both geriatric medicine and palliative care alongside geriatric psychiatry 1.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have successfully completed a General Psychiatry Residency Program and must be eligible for a full medical license in the state of Rhode Island. Required documentation includes a current curriculum vitae, a personal statement, notarized copies of ECFMG or FLEX certificates (if applicable), visa documentation, a notarized letter from the Dean of the medical school, a letter from the Residency Training Program Director, three additional letters of recommendation, a current medical license, and a completed Brown University application form 2.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types. This facilitates the integration of diverse applicants into the fellowship program, enhancing the educational experience through varied perspectives in geriatric psychiatry 1.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Brown University is known to be competitively sought after, attracting a range of applicants including both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program actively supports international graduates and is considered friendly toward both DO and IMG candidates, affirming its commitment to diverse training backgrounds 1.