College Medical Center Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at College Medical Center in Long Beach offers a unique community-based training environment combined with a strong academic focus. The program utilizes the extensive resources of the largest psychiatric system in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, allowing residents to gain comprehensive experiences in serving diverse patient populations throughout southern California. Alumni have gone on to successful careers in various psychiatric disciplines, including community practice, private practice, clinical research, academia, and subspecialty fellowship training in areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, consultation and liaison psychiatry, and geriatrics. Furthermore, unique elective opportunities exist in interventional psychiatry, media psychiatry, and sports psychiatry 1.

Application Process

Applicants to the Psychiatry Residency Program must submit their applications electronically via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required documents include a CV, personal statement detailing their interest in the program, medical school transcripts, diploma, MSPE or Dean's letter, USMLE scores and history, and at least three letters of recommendation (one from a psychiatrist). A proof of COVID-19 vaccination is also required. Note that the program is currently unable to support visa sponsorships for international candidates 2.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The residency curriculum is designed to nurture competence and confidence in psychiatric practice while underscoring community-based care principles. Each resident's training experience provides varied rotations that will incorporate clinical exposure coupled with didactic learning. The program emphasizes the importance of developing a robust foundation that will allow residents to transition seamlessly into their future roles as independent practitioners 3.

Residents participate in didactic lectures, journal club discussions, board review sessions, and other educational formats that provide opportunities to deepen their medical knowledge and enhance procedural skills. Clinical sessions are protected time, ensuring that residents are available to focus on learning and development 4.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Participation in research and quality improvement projects is a requirement for all residents, ensuring that they engage actively with scientific inquiry throughout their training. The program aims for residents to present at both regional and national conferences, fostering an academic atmosphere that encourages publication and dissemination of scholarly work 5.

Compensation and Benefits

The Psychiatry Residency Program offers competitive salaries starting from $66,560 for PGY-1 residents, with incremental increases in subsequent years. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, 100% meal coverage while on duty, vacation and CME days, as well as funding for board review expenses. Residents may also have opportunities to moonlight after the successful completion of the PGY-1 year 6.

Additional Program Highlights

The program prides itself on fostering a supportive environment where mentorship and individual growth are prioritized. With a focus on community-based care, residents gain real-world experience in managing a wide range of psychiatric conditions amidst the cultural and socio-economic diversity of the Long Beach area. The faculty are committed to training compassionate and competent psychiatric physicians who excel in patient care 7.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

As previously mentioned, the program does not sponsor visas for international medical graduates. The application process is competitive, with a strong preference for candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their academic and clinical performances. Candidates are encouraged to present letters of recommendation that speak to their professional potential in psychiatry and community-based settings 8.

Special Application Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last two years. Furthermore, candidates should have passed the USMLE examinations on their first attempt. It is highly recommended that applicants demonstrate clinical experience in a U.S. healthcare setting, given the program's emphasis on the community context of psychiatric practice 9.