Residency Advisor

MedStar Health Georgetown University Washington, D.C. Residency Program in Psychiatry

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Psychiatry offers a comprehensive training experience designed to prepare residents for a career as fully competent psychiatrists. Situated in the vibrant city of Washington, D.C., the program emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to mental health with a commitment to serving diverse populations and addressing community needs.

Why Train Here

The program is located at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, a notable academic medical center recognized for its dedication to research, teaching, and patient care, with a strong focus on the principle of Cura Personalis—care of the whole person. Psychiatry residents benefit from access to multiple training affiliates, including MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and the National Institute of Mental Health, which provide rich and varied patient care experiences across different healthcare systems and populations.

Residents receive training that prepares them to think critically as scientists while acting compassionately as humanitarians. The program believes that a successful psychiatrist must understand the interplay between mind and brain, grounded in evidence-based practices, and offer care that is respectful and empathetic.

Curriculum Overview

Residents are structured into a comprehensive four-year curriculum that combines clinical practice, didactics, and research:

Didactic Series: Each resident has dedicated didactic time each week free from clinical responsibilities, which serves as a foundation for additional teaching opportunities such as conferences, journal clubs, and seminars. Major topics include:

  • Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychiatry
  • Psychotherapy
  • Risk Assessment and Safety
  • Clinical Ethics
  • Wellness and Professional Development

The program emphasizes wellness throughout residency with groups led by wellness coaches, and features an Anti-racism curriculum aimed at educating residents to confront biases in healthcare.

Rotations

The rotation structure ensures a well-rounded clinical experience:

  • PGY-1: Includes rotations in Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Psychiatry, with a focus on diverse psychiatric conditions in varied settings.
  • PGY-2: Residents work with patients in inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on developing psychotherapy skills.
  • PGY-3: This year is primarily outpatient, focusing on care for specific populations, including children and adolescents.
  • PGY-4: A flexible year with clinical services alongside elective opportunities, tailored to resident interests.

Research Curriculum

The research training prepares residents to become competent researchers in the field of psychiatry, with an emphasis on research literacy and evidence-based practices. Key components include:

  • Development of a scholarly project mentored by faculty
  • Participation in journal clubs to enhance research skills
  • Formal research methods coursework

Residents present their findings during the annual poster session, with opportunities for further dissemination via publications and conferences.

Training Sites

The program utilizes several training locations, including:

  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital: A leading acute care teaching and research facility in the District.
  • MedStar Washington Hospital Center: The largest private not-for-profit hospital in D.C.
  • Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Offers extensive research and clinical training opportunities.
  • Additional Affiliates: Provide further varied clinical experiences, including Dominion Hospital and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Application Information

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program accepts nine PGY-1 residents each year. The program seeks individuals passionate about psychiatric care who exhibit strong medical school performance, demonstrate interests aligned with residency training, and can work collaboratively within a diverse team.

Specific application requirements include:

  • USMLE or COMLEX scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement
  • Evidence of ECFMG certification for international medical graduates; the program only sponsors J-1 visas

Overall, the MedStar Health—Georgetown University Psychiatry Residency Program offers a unique combination of rigorous training, supportive community, and numerous opportunities for professional development, making it highly competitive and suitable for aspiring psychiatrists.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

9, 9, 9, 9 (4 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since August 1949

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$71,000

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

Unlimited days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

40%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

1X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

J1

YOG Cutoff:

5

Match History

1801400C0

2024

9 of 9

2023

9 of 9

2022

9 of 9

2021

9 of 9

2020

9 of 9

Location

Washington, DC

Population
689,545
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
34

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Washington, DC

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
  • Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
  • Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
  • Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
  • Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
  • Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.

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