Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Adult Psychiatry Residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is a comprehensive four-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Established in 1968, the program focuses on nurturing future psychiatrists through rigorous training aimed at developing excellence in clinical practice, research, and leadership within the field of psychiatry. The mission of the program encompasses a commitment to advocacy, equity, and the integration of advancing neuroscience into psychiatric practice, providing a robust foundation to prepare residents for a diverse range of career paths within psychiatry.

Program Aims

The aims of the residency are multi-faceted: educating residents in diagnostic assessments, patient care, psychopharmacology, and various psychotherapy modalities while exposing them to various systems of psychiatric care, such as tertiary medical centers and state hospitals. Furthermore, residents are prepared for leadership roles within psychiatry, with a critical recognition of the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in both clinical practice and the workplace.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured over four years, with specific didactics and clinical rotations designated for each postgraduate year (PGY). In the PGY-1 year, for instance, residents partake in didactics that include topics such as basic psychopathology, motivational interviewing, and introductory psychiatry subspecialties, among others. Higher years introduce specialized topics such as advanced psychopharmacology, child and adolescent psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry, all of which culminate in preparation for board exams and fellowship applications. Residents participate in interdisciplinary learning environments, including diverse rotations through various clinical sites, private practices, and facilities like the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center's 486-bed hospital, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and New Hampshire Hospital.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center offers ample opportunities for residents to engage in research. The program features a dedicated research track that supports residents interested in a career as physician-scientists. This track is financially supported, providing funding for academic meetings and substantial protected research time. Residents are encouraged to work within distinct research nodes focusing on areas such as neuroimmunology, technology in behavioral health, and implementation research, reflecting a commitment to integrating scientific inquiry within the psychiatric field. Past resident projects have addressed mental health treatment accessibility and explored innovative therapeutic interventions.