Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Mount Sinai Hospital Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, located in New York, is designed to equip trainees with the necessary skills required to provide comprehensive psychiatric care to older adults. This fellowship program is well-integrated into a large network of clinical and research activities affiliated with Mount Sinai, ensuring that fellows receive a robust educational experience while also contributing to significant advancements in geriatric mental health.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum comprises a well-rounded approach including clinical rotations, didactic education, and research opportunities that are focused on geriatric psychiatric care. Clinical training is conducted in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric units, and long-term care facilities, giving fellows comprehensive exposure to various aspects of geriatric psychiatry. Specifically, they will engage in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety among older patients, as well as neurocognitive disorders.

Each fellow is expected to engage in the quality improvement initiatives that enhance both patient safety and quality of care, aligning with the overall mission of the Mount Sinai Health System. Knowledge in pharmacology specifically tailored to the geriatric population is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

The fellowship offers extensive clinical rotations across several key sites, each selected for its unique contributions to the field of geriatric psychiatry. These include specialized units with a focus on geriatric assessments and treatments.

In addition to standard clinical duties, fellows participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, which provide the opportunity to collaborate with various healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach fosters a holistic view of patient care, essential in treating complex cases commonly seen within this demographic. Fellows also receive training in performing detailed assessments, developing management plans, and executing treatment strategies tailored to older adults.

Research Opportunities

The Icahn School of Medicine encourages fellows to engage in research focused on issues pertinent to geriatric psychiatry. The program promotes an academic environment where fellows can investigate clinical questions, and participate in ongoing research projects led by faculty members. Active involvement in research can lead to publications and presentations at national conferences.

Fellows also have access to Mount Sinai’s extensive library and resources to support their scholarly work and ensure they are at the forefront of the advancements in geriatric medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program is characterized by its strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Geriatric Psychiatry program actively seeks a diverse cohort of fellows and fosters an inclusive atmosphere that encourages the exploration of different perspectives in treating geriatric patients.

Furthermore, faculty members are dedicated to mentoring fellows throughout the training process, ensuring that each fellow’s individual career goals are supported. Regular feedback sessions and guided discussions promote professional development and refinement of clinical skills.

Training Sites

Fellows will train across a variety of sites, including but not limited to:

• The Mount Sinai Hospital - An academic medical center that integrates education, research, and clinical care.
• Mount Sinai Beth Israel - A community-focused hospital serving a diverse patient population.
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst - Known for its extensive patient population, allowing for a wealth of clinical exposure.

Visa Support

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai provides support for international medical graduates seeking training in the United States. The program is able to sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for medical training programs, and assists fellows in attaining the necessary documentation for their stays.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Mount Sinai is considered competitive. It attracts a diverse pool of candidates, including U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values a broad range of experiences, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all qualified candidates are given due consideration. The selection criteria may include completed residency training, clinical experiences, and academic performance.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship should generally be completed residents in psychiatry. Specific requirements may include an academic performance standard, letters of recommendation, and personal statements detailing commitment to the field. The program maintains a commitment to fostering a diverse training cohort while also ensuring that all candidates meet basic eligibility criteria, including the number of attempts on licensing examinations.

Resident and Fellow Support

Mount Sinai provides robust support for its residents and fellows encompassing a wide array of well-being initiatives designed to foster a balanced work-life dynamic. Support structures include wellness programs targeted at stress management, mentoring initiatives, and community-building events that enhance the collaborative spirit of the program.

Fellows also have access to comprehensive career development services, including access to counseling and networking opportunities throughout their training, enhancing their prospective careers post-fellowship.