Citrus Health Network, Inc. Program

Psychiatry Residency Overview

The Psychiatry Residency Program at Citrus Health Network, in collaboration with Florida International University, is designed to cultivate empathetic and proficient physicians focused on delivering compassionate mental healthcare. Situated within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the program provides a unique learning environment characterized by exposure to a diverse patient population and a range of clinical settings throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.1 The program highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that residents gain substantial experience treating patients from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly in light of ongoing mental health crises that have arisen post-pandemic.1

Educational Structure

The residency consists of a comprehensive curriculum spanning four years, with a particular emphasis on various facets of psychiatry, including both inpatient and outpatient experiences. The curriculum is structured to include a balance of didactic training and clinical rotations, allowing residents to apply their growing knowledge in real-world settings.

Year 1

• Didactic Core Curriculum: Encompasses topics such as Psychiatric Interviewing, Emergency Medicine, Psychopharmacology, Addiction Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry, and Cultural Psychiatry, among others.
• Rotations: Residents rotate through several key areas:
• 4 months in Primary Care (Inpatient Internal Medicine, Outpatient Adult/Pediatrics)
• 3 months in Inpatient Psychiatry (Adult)
• 3 months in Crisis/Emergency Psychiatry
• 2 months in Neurology

Year 2

• Didactic Core Curriculum: Focuses on general hospital psychiatry with an emphasis on psychotherapy models, child psychopathology, neuromodulation, and advanced psychopharmacology.
• Rotations: Include:
• 3 months in Inpatient Psychiatry (Adult)
• 3 months in Crisis/Emergency Psychiatry
• 2 months in Inpatient Psychiatry (Child & Adolescent)
• 2 months in Consult Liaison Psychiatry
• 1 month in Geriatric Psychiatry and 1 month in Addiction Psychiatry.

Year 3

• Didactic Core Curriculum: Introduces more advanced therapies and forensic psychiatry. Residents engage in a specialized 40-hour visiting fellowship in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
• Rotations: Focus on longitudinal outpatient experiences in psychiatry, incorporating medication management and psychotherapy, ensuring hands-on skill development over the full year.

Year 4

• Didactic Core Curriculum: Prepares residents for the transition to independent practice and covers advanced topics in psychopathology and pharmacology.
• Rotations: Primarily electives, allowing residents to tailor their education according to their interests and career aspirations.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is designed to be inclusive, being considered DO/IMG-friendly, thus welcoming candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. Applicants are required to submit key documentation via ERAS, such as personal statements, CVs, and letters of recommendation. Preference is given to ECFMG-certified international medical graduates, and Spanish language proficiency is highly regarded. Academic performance regarding the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and COMLEX scores is critical, with guidelines provided on acceptable performance metrics for applicants.1

Visa Sponsorship and Support

Citrus Health Network offers visa sponsorships for qualified international medical graduates, including J-1 and H-1B visas. The program supports residents in navigating the complexities of visa applications and compliance with U.S. immigration laws, ensuring a smooth transition for non-U.S. citizens pursuing their residency training in psychiatry.1

Unique Program Features

• Integrated Care Model: Residents benefit from training within a community health center model, which emphasizes the integration of mental and primary healthcare services.15
• Resident Wellness: Emphasizing a holistic approach to training, the program is committed to the well-being of its residents, providing a wide array of wellness activities and resources, including a dedicated lounge for relaxation and social interaction.1
• Diverse Clinical Sites: Residents rotate at multiple sites, including the Citrus Health Network Main Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and various outpatient facilities, ensuring a broad and varied learning environment.1
• Accreditations: The program holds multiple prestigious accreditations, including recognition from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), indicating a commitment to high-quality training and educational standards.15

Faculty and Mentorship

The Psychiatry Residency Program is supported by a diverse team of highly qualified faculty members, including prominent psychiatrists and specialists who are dedicated to fostering a rich learning environment. The faculty emphasizes mentorship and collaboration, nurturing residents' skills and knowledge. Professors involved in resident training are distinguished leaders within the field of psychiatry, contributing both clinical and academic expertise.1

With its strong focus on community health, integrated care, and a comprehensive curriculum, the Psychiatry Residency Program at Citrus Health Network is an exemplary choice for individuals seeking to make significant impacts in the field of mental health.