HCA Florida Healthcare/Aventura Hospital Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital is an ACGME-accredited, four-year categorical residency designed to equip residents with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of psychiatry. Established in 2018, the program aims to cultivate compassionate clinicians who uphold the highest standards of ethical practice and are dedicated to lifelong learning in their medical careers. Each year, the program offers five competitive PGY-1 positions, providing a structured environment that fosters individual learning and professional growth.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is thoughtfully structured to allow for flexibility in focus, accommodating the varying educational needs of each trainee. This approach ensures that residents not only receive comprehensive training in psychiatric principles but also develop unique competencies tailored to their career aspirations. The training encompasses various clinical experiences, including outpatient, inpatient, and consultation-liaison services, enabling residents to gain proficiency in a variety of settings and patient populations 1.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents will experience a broad range of rotations that cover essential areas of psychiatry. The rotations include but are not limited to adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and substance use disorders. Training is primarily hospital-based at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, allowing residents to engage with a diverse patient base while receiving hands-on training from experienced faculty 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

A pivotal aspect of the program is its commitment to fostering research and scholarly activities. Residents are encouraged to embark on at least one quality assurance or research project each academic year, with a goal of completing a peer-reviewed manuscript prior to graduation. The program supports a dynamic scholarly environment and provides resources for residents to engage in research throughout their training. Weekly meetings facilitate ongoing discussions about research methodology and project progress. Past residents have had their work published in reputable journals and presented at national conferences, exemplifying the program's commitment to academic excellence 1.

Teaching Opportunities

HCA Florida Aventura Hospital prioritizes the development of residency education alongside clinical training. Senior residents have the opportunity to teach and present to medical students, interns, and their peers, allowing them to enhance their communication and leadership skills. The program collaborates with Nova Southeastern University, providing additional platforms for residents to engage in educational activities and fulfill their desire to become valuable educators in the psychiatric field 1.

Resident Wellness

Acknowledging the demanding nature of residency, the program emphasizes support for resident well-being. A wellness curriculum incorporates various initiatives aimed at promoting personal health and work-life balance. This includes lectures on nutrition and fitness, team-building exercises, and opportunities for residents to participate in recreational activities together. The emphasis on well-being ensures that residents maintain their mental and emotional health throughout their training 1.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents receive competitive salaries that progress incrementally with each year of training. For the 2023 to 2024 academic year, PGY-1 residents earn $58,677, with salaries increasing in subsequent years. Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, educational leaves, and supports for advice through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1. The EAP offers mental health resources and counseling services for both residents and their families, fostering a supportive environment for addressing personal and professional challenges.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Psychiatry Residency Program at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas or H-1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) and non-U.S. citizens interested in applying. Applicants are advised that an academic year of graduation typically is required, along with a limit on the number of failed STEP exams considered during the review process, making the application process competitive yet inclusive 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it welcoming to osteopathic graduates (DOs) and international medical graduates (IMGs). The holistic review process considers diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of varied perspectives in psychiatric care. Prospective residents can expect a rigorous selection process reflective of the program's high standards and its mission to train exemplary physicians in psychiatry 1.