Marshall University School of Medicine Program

Marshall University offers an ACGME-accredited Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry designed for physicians looking to specialize in treating older adults with mental health conditions. This one-year fellowship provides comprehensive training under the guidance of experienced faculty, equipping fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in geriatric psychiatry.

Curriculum Overview

Fellows participate in a structured curriculum that emphasizes clinical rotation and practical experience. The program encompasses a variety of settings, including:

• Mildred Mitchell Bateman Hospital: A 110-bed state facility where fellows engage with a specialized inpatient service.
• Lakin Hospital: A state geriatric long-term care facility offering telehealth opportunities.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic: A setting for outpatient care focusing on geriatric patients.
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Fellows will participate in inpatient consults, ER visits, and home visits.
• St. Mary’s Medical Center: Experience with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is cultivated here.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The fellowship offers varied clinical experiences throughout different facilities. Rotations allow fellows to work collaboratively with general psychiatry residents and medical students while managing geriatric patients with complex psychiatric needs. Specific clinical opportunities include:

• Inpatient psychiatric care, focusing on both acute and long-term needs.
• Direct patient care in community nursing homes.
• Exposure to geriatric neurology, neuroradiology, and research projects tailored for national presentations.

Research and Academic Development

Research is a key component of the fellowship, as fellows are expected to engage in scholarly projects with the potential for national presentation and publication. This provides an academic foundation that enhances fellows' understanding of geriatric psychiatry and contributes to the field.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) through J-1 visa sponsorship. This allows qualified candidates from abroad to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Marshall is considered to be competitive, with specific application requirements that include:

• A letter of interest and a complete CV.
• A letter from your general psychiatry program director.
• Two additional references, ideally including someone familiar with your interest in geriatrics.
• STEP scores, reflecting your preliminary training.
• A brief personal statement detailing your interest in the fellowship.

Please note that the program does not participate in the Match, and only one fellow is accepted per year. Candidates should submit their applications between July and January 1 preceding the fellowship year.

Salary and Benefits

The program provides a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits. These benefits may include health insurance and professional development funds which support the educational endeavors and well-being of the fellows throughout their training.

Living in Huntington

The fellowship is located in Huntington, a vibrant college town along the Ohio River known for its diverse culinary scene and outdoor parks. The living conditions and community activities enhance the resident experience, making it an appealing locale for both professional training and personal growth.

Faculty Support

The training is led by distinguished faculty members who bring a wealth of experience in Geriatric Psychiatry. Their mentorship provides a robust learning environment, fostering the development of future leaders in the field.