MedStar Health Georgetown University (D.C.) Program

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.