Welcome to the Community Psychiatry Residency Program at Healthy Rural California, located in Chico, California. This program is specifically designed to train residents to become proficient clinicians in community psychiatry, with a strong focus on serving underserved and diverse populations in rural Northern California. The overarching aim is to eliminate health disparities and promote mental health equity through education, hands-on clinical experience, and community engagement.
Program Mission and Vision
The mission of the Healthy Rural California Psychiatry Residency Program is to address the public health needs of rural communities by enhancing access to quality mental health care. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all residents and faculty are part of a supportive environment. Residents will be trained to be mental health advocates, leaders in trauma-informed care, and skilled providers of evidence-based practices.
Curriculum Overview
The residency curriculum is tailored to meet the unique challenges presented by rural psychiatry. The first year of training is anchored in comprehensive didactics and rotations at renowned institutions, including the University of California Davis and the VA Northern California Health Care System. In the subsequent years, residents will relocate to Butte County, where they will immerse themselves in community psychiatry.
Clinical Rotations
The Clinical Rotations involve multiple sites designed to offer varied and enriching clinical experiences. These include:
- Butte County Behavioral Health: As the primary clinical site, residents will engage in outpatient mental health services and receive specialized training in adult psychiatry.
- University of California Davis Medical Center: In this 646-bed teaching hospital, residents gain exposure to complex psychiatric cases, enhancing their clinical judgement and skills.
- VA Northern California Health Care System: Opportunities for inpatient rotations and specialized care for veterans allow residents to serve those who have sacrificed for the nation.
- Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health: Here, residents focus on child and adolescent psychiatry alongside inpatient adult psychiatry.
- Northern Valley Indian Health: This non-profit tribal corporation provides learning experiences in culturally competent care.
- Ampla Health: Providing comprehensive medical and mental health services to underserved populations, this center underscores the social determinants impacting health.
Each rotation is designed to provide residents with the clinical experiences needed to excel in their training and provide high-quality care.
Didactic Curriculum
The didactic curriculum reflects milestones targeted at various clinical settings through each year of training. The first year is conducted in person in Sacramento, while the subsequent years incorporate both in-person and virtual learning opportunities in Chico.
Research and Electives
Residents will have the opportunity to engage in research and quality improvement projects related to the mental health needs of rural communities. They can select from electives that include Native American Mental Health, Addiction Psychiatry, Trauma-Informed Care, and Cultural Psychiatry, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the unique features of the Healthy Rural California Psychiatry Residency Program is its commitment to mentoring and advocacy. Residents will receive protected time to work on community projects and participate in various initiatives aimed at addressing local health disparities. There is also a focus on wellness and the whole-person care approach.
International Medical Graduates and Visa Support
The program is welcoming to international medical graduates, particularly planning to consider applications from this group in the near future. Currently, the program is looking to accommodate J-1 visa sponsorships starting July 2025, which allows international medical graduates to participate through exchange visitor programs.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The residency program is designed to be competitive, with an intent to attract applicants who are passionate about serving rural and underserved populations. Specific application requirements include a strong academic record and involvement in community service, along with proficiency in clinical skills. There are no specified limits on STEP exam failures, but candidates are encouraged to demonstrate resilience and commitment to their professional development.
Training Sites
The residency takes pride in its affiliations with strong clinical training sites which enhance the educational experience, offering residents exposure to a diverse patient population, a wide array of psychiatric conditions, and collaborative care settings. The diversity of these sites ensures that residents develop a profound knowledge of psychiatry.
Website
Director
Rachel Mitchell, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since September 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$68,611First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
7 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
-Residents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Match History
2396400C0
2024
4 of 42023
0 of 4Location
Chico, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Chico, CA
Chico, CA, is a city located in northern California known for its charming small-town feel and outdoor recreational opportunities. Here are some aspects of living in Chico:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Chico has a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. The city is generally considered safe, but like any place, it's important to take normal safety precautions.
- Fun Activities: Chico offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring Bidwell Park. The city also has a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Climate: Chico has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summers can be quite warm, while winters are generally mild.
- Races and Population: Chico has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, making it a welcoming community for residents from various backgrounds.
- Education: Chico is home to California State University, Chico, providing educational opportunities and a lively college atmosphere to the city.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Chico is relatively affordable compared to other parts of California, making it an attractive option for residents seeking a lower cost of living.
- Nearest Bigger Cities: Sacramento is the nearest big city to Chico, located about 90 miles south. Driving time to Sacramento is around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering access to a larger urban area with more amenities and cultural attractions.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population.
Cons: Summers can be hot, limited public transportation options.
Interview Questions
