Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

The Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine offers a robust residency program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, situated in Roanoke, Virginia. The program prides itself on being integrated into a larger academic medical center that serves a significant population, providing residency trainees with vast clinical exposure to a diverse array of patients and psychiatric disorders. The program is well-established and collaborates closely with community partners such as the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Catawba State Hospital, enhancing the breadth of training available to residents 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of psychiatry, focusing on both clinical skills and academic rigor. Residents benefit from a structured yet flexible training experience, with personalized opportunities tailored to individual career goals. The program is committed to supporting residents as learners, and numerous platforms exist for feedback and improvement within the program 4.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

During the training, residents engage in a variety of clinical rotations that cover essential aspects of child and adolescent psychiatry. The program incorporates both inpatient and outpatient experiences, allowing for extensive hands-on training. Educational experiences are complemented by access to a wide range of faculty experts who teach through both content and practical, experiential learning 1.

Research Opportunities

The program places significant emphasis on research, with dedicated time allocated for projects during the intern year. Residents are paired with faculty mentors to explore various research interests, including clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives. The program encourages scholarly activity, with opportunities to publish findings and present at conferences, thus fostering an environment of academic inquiry 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinct feature of the Carilion Clinic residency program is its strong mentoring system. Residents receive guidance from experienced faculty throughout their training, which not only enhances clinical knowledge but also promotes professional growth. The focus on creating individualized learning experiences allows residents to explore their interests in-depth and adapt their learning path based on feedback and mentoring 4.

Resident Demographics and Environment

The residency program welcomes a diverse group of residents from various medical schools and backgrounds. This diversity enriches the training environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared learning experiences. The program actively supports residents in their personal and professional development, promoting a healthy work-life balance in a nurturing educational atmosphere 6.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective applicants should be aware that the residency generally accepts 8-10 residents annually through the ERAS system. Only J-1 visas are sponsored, and candidates are responsible for any legal fees associated with visa applications 3. The application review process considers various factors, including USMLE or COMLEX scores, professional experiences, and letters of recommendation. It is important to note that observerships, internships, or research fellowships are not offered by the program 3.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The program is known for its competitiveness, and a strong academic record is crucial for prospective residents. While there is a preference for U.S. clinical experience, applications from international medical graduates (IMGs) are also welcomed, contributing to a diverse candidate pool. Specific requirements such as maximum failed STEP exam scores may apply, highlighting the need for candidates to present strong academic credentials to be considered 3.

The Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program thus stands out for its comprehensive and supportive training environment, exceptional faculty, and commitment to research and individualized resident development.