Emory University School of Medicine Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a Combined Internal Medicine and Psychiatry Residency Program, designed to provide comprehensive, integrated training across the fields of General Medicine and Psychiatry. This five-year program aims to produce physicians well-versed in both disciplines, emphasizing a holistic approach toward patient care. Residents can expect to develop robust skills necessary for diagnosing and treating patients with complex medical conditions that have concomitant psychiatric disorders. The program fosters an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning, preparing residents for varied career paths in hospital, outpatient, research, or academic settings1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure residents receive balanced training between Internal Medicine and Psychiatry. It alternates every three months, enabling an equal split in exposure to both specialties over the program's duration1.

PGY-1

• Medicine (6 months): Includes 2 months on inpatient wards, 1 month in cardiology, 1 month in ICU, 2 weeks in infectious disease consults, 2 weeks in palliative care, and Ambulatory care Y-weeks.
• Psychiatry (6 months): Consists of 3 months inpatient, 2 months in emergency psychiatry, 1 month outpatient community psychiatry1.

PGY-2

• Medicine (6 months): Consists of 2 months inpatient wards, 2 weeks elective, 1 month neurology, 2 weeks procedure service, night float, emergency medicine, and Ambulatory care Y-weeks.
• Psychiatry (6 months): Comprises 2 inpatient months, 6 weeks consult liaison, 2 weeks med-psych unit, 1 month neurology, 1 month geriatric psychiatry1.

PGY-3

• Medicine (6 months): Involves 2 months inpatient wards, 1 month elective, 1 month ICU, night float, and Ambulatory care Y-weeks.
• Psychiatry (6 months): Includes 1 month inpatient, 2 months consult liaison, 1 month addiction psychiatry, 2 weeks child psychiatry, and 2 weeks elective1.

PGY-4 and PGY-5

These senior years are divided into six-month rotations focusing on specialized and outpatient training.

• Medicine (PGY-4): Features inpatient, ICU, and subspecialty months, in addition to HIV service, emergency medicine, and night float.
• Medicine (PGY-5): Involves inpatient and ICU months, with further exposure in geriatric medicine, med-psych unit, subspecialties, and electives.
• Psychiatry (PGY-4 and PGY-5): Emphasizes outpatient psychotherapy training1.

Training Sites and Facilities

Based in Atlanta, the program exposes residents to a wide spectrum of clinical experiences across multiple hospitals. This includes inner-city hospitals, tertiary and quaternary centers, a geriatric hospital, and a VA medical center. Unique training environments such as combined medicine-psychiatry clinics and an inpatient unit staffed by combined-trained physicians at Grady enrich this experience3. Such diverse environments ensure residents interact with a broad patient demographic, enhancing clinical expertise.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program admits applications exclusively via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for PGY-1 positions. It offers two positions annually, making it a competitive choice for aspiring candidates. Applicants should submit a Dean’s Letter, Medical School Transcript, Personal Statement, USMLE/COMLEX/FLEX scores, and three letters of reference. International Medical Graduates must achieve ECFMG certification2.

Visa Support

Emory University sponsors J-1 visas, aiding international medical graduates in their pursuit of residency training in the United States. This commitment reflects the program's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment2.

Research Opportunities

Extensive research opportunities are available for residents interested in medicine, psychiatry, or overlapping areas. The program supports involvement in research projects that align with individual interests and career ambitions1. Participation in research is encouraged, fostering scholarly activity that contributes to both personal and professional development.

Unique Program Features

A central feature of the program is its leadership under a combined-trained medical/psychiatric director, supported by a faculty roster exceeding 14 combined-trained professionals. Additional features include med-psych conferences, the potential for international electives, specialized distinction tracks such as social medicine and health equity, and a Y-week schedule that allows dedicated time for academic pursuits and personal development1.

Fellowship Opportunities

Upon graduation, residents possess the foundational skills and expertise to pursue a range of fellowships, should they choose to specialize further. The comprehensive and rigorous training program equips residents for advanced study in internal medicine, psychiatry, and their interdisciplinary interconnections1.

Resident Wellness and Support

Recognizing the importance of wellness and sustainability in medical training, the program underscores a holistic approach to resident wellness and support. Regular social events, combined with a structured and supportive learning environment, facilitate both personal well-being and professional growth3. Innovative and interactive didactic sessions further enrich the educational experience4.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic curriculum follows principles of adult learning, with interactive sessions emphasizing active participant engagement. Scheduled for Wednesday mornings, these sessions cover a range of psychiatric and medical topics, tailored to each year of residency. This structure limits educational fatigue and aids in developing a comprehensive knowledge base critical for independent medical practice4.