Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a focused fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry, specifically tailored for candidates at the PGY-5 level and above. This program is distinguished by its integration with various state departments that deal with forensic and mental health patients, fostering a unique environment that merges academic and practical training in forensic psychiatry.

One of the noteworthy features of the program is its robust structure. With three positions available annually, fellows receive an annual stipend of $77,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The program is accredited by the ACGME, having commenced in 1993, it has maintained its accreditation status since forensic training programs were recognized by the ACGME in 1997. This historical grounding provides fellows with a comprehensive and experienced training background in forensic psychiatry.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to offer a diverse range of clinical experiences in both criminal and civil contexts, suitable for those fellows who have a background in child and adolescent psychiatry. The curriculum includes not only practical clinical experiences but also significant didactic learning opportunities.

Each week, the program includes case-oriented seminars led by the Program Director, in addition to seminars that focus on landmark cases in forensic psychiatry. These teaching opportunities are complemented by the availability for fellows to audit law courses at the Emory University School of Law, providing an interdisciplinary approach to forensic casework.

Clinical Experiences

The clinical experience for fellows chiefly occurs at Grady Memorial Hospital, a major teaching and clinical site in Atlanta. The program covers a spectrum of clinical experiences, including outpatient evaluations, competency restoration, inpatient assessments, and civil litigation evaluations. Specifically, fellows are involved in court-ordered evaluations for criminal defendants, providing testimony in court, and managing mental health criteria evaluations.

In terms of criminal defendant experiences, fellows will spend significant time at the Fulton County Jail, conducting assessments on defendants regarding competency and criminal responsibility. This hands-on experience is crucial as it includes conducting treatment plans for those patients undergoing competency restoration.

Moreover, fellows engaged with civil litigation will handle evaluations for cases such as guardianship, competency, and personal injury, adding to the diverse clinical portfolio fellows will develop during their training.

Research Opportunities

Emory's Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship is designed with a strong academic orientation. Fellows are actively encouraged to engage in ongoing research or develop their own initiatives within forensic psychiatry. This commitment to research is substantiated by requirements to submit proposals for presentation at the annual AAPL meeting, reinforcing fellow's academic exposure in the field of forensic psychiatry.

Teaching Responsibilities

Fellows play an important role in contributing to the educational framework, wherein they are tasked with training psychiatry residents, as well as developing and leading seminars for junior residents. This aspect of the fellowship not only enhances the fellow’s teaching experience but solidifies their role as an integral part of the educational process within the department.

Staff and Resources

The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals including forensic psychiatrists, psychologists, a social worker, and consulting attorneys. This collaborative environment is designed to enrich fellows' learning experiences and broaden their exposure to various aspects of forensic psychiatry.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to the annual stipend, fellows receive standard benefits associated with being a house officer at Emory. They are eligible for travel support for educational purposes, including the Forensic Psychiatry Review Course and annual meetings, and are provided with essential resources such as a laptop during the fellowship.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must have successfully completed a psychiatric residency and be eligible to obtain a medical license in Georgia. The application process includes submission of several documents including a common application form recognized by AAPL, a curriculum vitae, medical school diploma, letters of reference, and appropriate documentation regarding citizenship or visa status. An interview with the program director is a prerequisite for acceptance, and potential candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the program for an informal discussion.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants, and it offers sponsorship for various visa types, aiding in the transition and residence of fellows who may require such assistance during their training tenure.

Competitiveness

The Emory Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship is considered highly competitive, suitable for both domestic and international medical graduates (IMGs) and is open to candidates who meet outlined eligibility criteria.