Maimonides Medical Center Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn offers a robust training experience characterized by its commitment to providing compassionate and evidence-based care within a diverse and enriching learning environment. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and abundant clinical opportunities, the program prepares residents for success in various psychiatric settings.

Program Overview

The program is designed to create a collaborative training atmosphere where residents benefit from a diverse patient population, including numerous ethnic backgrounds and languages spoken. Residents are exposed to a wide array of psychiatric disorders, enhancing their understanding and skills necessary for effective patient care 1. The comprehensive nature of the training includes involvement in various specialties, individual mentorship, and support from faculty who are experts in their respective fields.

Curriculum Structure

The residency program spans four years, with a structured curriculum that gradually builds upon clinical experiences.

PGY1 Curriculum

During the first year, also known as PGY1, residents split their time between six months in medicine (with rotations in Neurology, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics) and six months in Psychiatry, focusing on Inpatient and Emergency Psychiatry. Individual supervision and mentorship are vital components during this foundational year 1.

PGY2 Curriculum

In the second year (PGY2), the focus shifts towards Inpatient Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, with one month dedicated for flexibility 1. This year emphasizes enhancing clinical skills while continuing to receive personalized mentorship.

PGY3 Curriculum

PGY3 residents engage primarily in outpatient psychiatry, committing to both medication management and various psychotherapy modalities. Specialty tracks allow residents to explore specific areas of interest while receiving appropriate supervision and training 1.

PGY4 Curriculum

During PGY4, residents have four months allotted for elective rotations in addition to their responsibilities as Junior-Attendings. The program continues to support residents with protected academic time each week for grand rounds, journal clubs, and case conferences to nurture professional growth and scholarly activities 1.

Research Opportunities

Maimonides Medical Center encourages residents to participate in scholarly activities, research projects, and quality improvement initiatives. Opportunities for research are integrated throughout the residency, promoting a culture of inquiry and a commitment to evidence-based practices 1.

Training Sites

Residents train at Maimonides Medical Center, which is known for its comprehensive mental health services. The diverse setting allows for a wide range of psychiatric conditions to be treated, offering residents unparalleled exposure and learning experiences 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program embraces diversity, actively cultivating an environment where residents are encouraged to learn and grow while delivering culturally competent care to a particularly diverse patient demographic. This approach is not only enriching for residents but also beneficial for the patient community at large 1.

Visa Support

Maimonides Medical Center supports international medical graduates by accepting both J1 visas and a limited number of H1 visas. To qualify for an H1 visa, residents must provide evidence of passing Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination by the match day 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive and reviews applications holistically. Essential application components include the dean's letter, official transcript, USMLE or COMLEX scores, research involvement, extracurricular activities, and at least three letters of recommendation. It is crucial for applicants to meet specific criteria, including a passing score on the USMLE or COMLEX examinations 1.

Each incoming class is composed of residents from a variety of backgrounds, fostering diversity and a collegial environment essential for professional and personal growth. The program seeks applicants who demonstrate a commitment to both academic excellence and community service.