Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School operates within a long-standing tradition, having been established nearly forty years ago. This ACGME-accredited fellowship is renowned for its rigorous education and clinical training, specifically focused on consultation-liaison psychiatry. The program prides itself on creating a robust learning environment facilitated by dedicated and knowledgeable faculty members. At the same time, it offers fellows a degree of individual autonomy in patient evaluation and management, which is pivotal to the learning process1.

Brigham and Women's Hospital is one of the foremost academic medical centers in the U.S., consistently recognized in the top rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The Medical Psychiatry service at the hospital manages approximately 3,500 new consults annually across various medical/surgical units and the Emergency Department, while its affiliate, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, handles around 2,000 new consults each year1.

Fellowship Overview

Fellows in the program engage in a multi-faceted learning experience that includes daily teaching rounds, weekly teaching case conferences, a journal club, and structured didactic sessions. Individual supervision, both bedside and in formal settings, ensures that fellows receive tailored guidance in their residency1. Additionally, fellows contribute to the education of psychiatry residents and clerkship students from Harvard Medical School, enhancing both their teaching skills and their learning experience.

Training Environment

The training is primarily conducted on the Brigham campus but also extends to Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, where fellows have the opportunity to practice in a high-quality primary and secondary care setting. With over 20 inpatient and 12 outpatient faculty members, the program offers a diverse range of expertise, ensuring comprehensive training in consultation-liaison psychiatry as well as access to niche training experiences1.

Research Opportunities

During their fellowship, participants are encouraged to engage in scholarly projects and will have the chance to present these projects at the conclusion of the academic year. This not only enriches their educational journey but also contributes to the academic environment of the department1.

Specialized Training Tracks

Fellows may choose to pursue specialized training tracks, such as psycho-oncology, working closely with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This track offers unique insights and experiences, particularly in managing psychiatric aspects of cancer care, which is increasingly recognized as a vital component of holistic patient treatment1.

Employment and Benefits

Clinical fellows are employed by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, receiving a competitive salary, comprehensive fringe benefits, and liability insurance coverage. The fellowship program is committed to providing practical support, ensuring that fellows have a balanced work-life experience during their training1.

Application Process

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship offers several PGY5 positions, divided into general track and a psycho-oncology track, with varying numbers available annually. The application process is inclusive, accepting submissions through ERAS or directly via email using the ACLP common application. Application review is equitable regardless of the submission method, and interviews take place from September through December, culminating in a match day in early January1.

Visa Support

The program also offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, providing support throughout the application and transition process. This includes sponsorship for J-1 waivers and H-1B visas, which facilitates participation in the fellowship for international trainees1.

Competitiveness

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is considered highly competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The selection criteria typically include completion of an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency, strong academic records, and a demonstrated passion for consultation-liaison psychiatry. The program's commitment to inclusiveness reflects its ambition to attract diverse candidates who can contribute to the academic and clinical mission of the fellowship1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship should be prepared to meet specific criteria, including the completion or planned completion of a residency in psychiatry by the fellowship start date. An important stipulation includes having passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps, as successful applicants must hold full licensure to practice medicine in Massachusetts by the fellowship's commencement1.