Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Emory University is structured as a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide in-depth training for physicians who seek to specialize in the mental health of the aging population. This one-year program is tailored for candidates who have successfully completed an accredited residency in psychiatry and are looking to advance their expertise in geriatric psychiatry.

Fellows are placed predominantly at the Emory University Hospital at Wesley Woods, which is recognized for its dedication to the geriatric demographic. Established with an emphasis on comprehensive care, Wesley Woods acts as a pivotal site where more than 2,300 inpatients and roughly 34,000 outpatients receive care annually. The facilities encompass nursing homes, assisted living arrangements, outpatient services, and specialized centers for conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured around clinical training and is comprised of rotations at several key sites, including the Atlanta VA Medical Center, which is equipped to offer diverse consult liaison experiences and specialized substance abuse training.1

During the fellowship, trainees benefit from an inclusive learning environment wherein the staff includes experts from various medical disciplines. Regular multidisciplinary conferences foster collaboration and a rich educational atmosphere, enhancing fellows' understanding of complex interrelated medical and psychiatric issues that affect elderly patients.

Training Sites

Clinical training is primarily conducted at two critical locations: Emory University Hospital at Wesley Woods and the Atlanta VA Medical Center. The training at Wesley Woods includes opportunities in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), allowing fellows to participate in one of the busiest ECT services in the nation. This unique aspect includes a mini-ECT fellowship that is provided at no cost, as well as a certificate upon completion for fellows, enhancing their credentials and allowing for future hospital privileges in ECT.1

Fellowship rotations also include exposure to geriatric neurology and geriatric medicine, both departments having achieved national recognition for excellence in care for older adults, including experiences related to sleep disorders and movement disturbances.1

Research Opportunities

Emory's Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship distinguished itself by offering significant research opportunities backed by strong faculty support. The program has successes in securing federal grant funding and has access to private foundation and pharmaceutical funding aimed at various research initiatives. Areas of focus include pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer’s, the interactions between depression and dementia, caregiver stress, and the implications of mental health issues in aging populations.1

Application Process

For prospective applicants, the program has specific requirements that must be met before the start of the fellowship. Candidates must have completed a residency program in psychiatry and obtained the necessary Georgia state licensing. Additionally, applicants should be able to demonstrate successful completion of USMLE Steps I, II, and III by the commencement of the fellowship.1

The application must include several key documents: a completed application form, a personal statement, a current CV, a transcript of USMLE scores, three recommendation letters (with one from the residency training director), medical school transcripts, and an ECFMG certificate if applicable. This thorough documentation aims to support a candidate's suitability for the program.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, welcoming both MD and DO candidates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). For those not holding U.S. citizenship, the Emory University fellowship can sponsor J-1 visas for qualified candidates. Understanding the visa options and being prepared for a competitive selection process is crucial for potential applicants.1