MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltmore) Program

The MedStar Health Baltimore Residency Program in Psychiatry is dedicated to shaping capable professionals in the field of psychiatry while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This residency program combines rigorous training with a community-focused approach, enriching the educational experience of its residents.

Overview

The program emphasizes the development of compassionate and knowledgeable clinicians, researchers, educators, and administrators. Located in Baltimore, a city characterized by its rich cultural diversity, the training program offers residents access to a broad spectrum of clinical opportunities. Resident training occurs in a variety of community hospitals across Baltimore City and County, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mental health needs of diverse populations.

1

Residents will gain experience in community-based hospitals including MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Harbor Hospital, which serve as the primary training sites for the program. The curriculum is designed to cover relevant clinical skills and knowledge, while also integrating a strong focus on cultural psychiatry, and the social determinants of mental health throughout the four years of training.

1

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency encompasses a four-year duration divided into key training years, each emphasizing different competencies.

PGY-I Year

The first year or PGY-I focuses on foundational medical knowledge and essential clinical skills. Residents undergo rotations in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and neurology, alongside essential psychiatric training. Key rotations include four months posted in Internal Medicine and six months in Adult Inpatient Psychiatry.

1

PGY-II Year

During the second year, residents gain proficiency in adult inpatient care, including a one-month rotation in the Psychiatric Emergency Department. This year emphasizes collaborative care techniques suitable for community settings.

1

PGY-III Year

The PGY-III year is dedicated to outpatient psychiatry, focusing on both adult and child outpatient treatment. In this year, residents acquire skills in long-term supporting psychodynamic psychotherapy and engage in clinical rotations that promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

1

PGY-IV Year

The final year allows residents to explore areas of specific interest, particularly in leadership roles such as Chief Residents. Emphasis is put on advanced outpatient therapies and preparation for the role of attending psychiatrist.

1

Training Sites

The program incorporates a variety of training locations:

• MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
• MedStar Harbor Hospital
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
• MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
• Springfield Hospital Center
• Chase Brexton Community Clinics

This diversity of training sites enhances the resident experience and allows exposure to varied clinical populations and environments.

1

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training, culminating in a scholarly project or research presentation during Residency Poster Day. Opportunities exist to collaborate with faculty on various research initiatives relevant to psychiatry.

1

Application Requirements

The MedStar Health Psychiatry Residency Program is competitive, accepting applications only for four PGY-1 positions. Prospective applicants must submit through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and are evaluated based on:

• Global performance in medical school including Dean's letter and transcript
• USMLE or COMLEX examination scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement explaining motivation for pursuing psychiatry
• Supplemental applications (if applicable)
• Curriculum vitae

For international medical graduates, the program accepts only J-1 visa sponsorship through the ECFMG. This highlights a commitment to support international trainees.

2

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is committed to promoting diversity, actively seeking to recruit applicants from various backgrounds. This commitment aligns with the values of cultural humility and social responsibility, enhancing the breadth and depth of the educational experience.

1

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should ensure that they comply with specific special requirements, including year of graduation and performance standards as outlined during the application process. The program seeks to identify individuals who display potential for leadership and innovation in the field of psychiatry.

2

Visa Support

The MedStar Health Baltimore Psychiatry Residency Program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This allows for a robust selection of candidates from various international backgrounds, fostering a rich educational environment.

2