Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, Florida Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at Memorial Healthcare System is designed to offer a comprehensive and robust education for future psychiatrists. Founded in 2019, this program has already made significant strides, exemplified by the successful graduation of its inaugural class in June 2023. Under the guidance of dedicated leadership, particularly Dr. Omair Abbasi, the program has developed into a supportive and thriving environment for resident training.

One of the standout features of the program is its emphasis on community involvement and comprehensive caregiving, which reflects the overarching mission of Memorial Healthcare System: to heal the mind, body, and spirit of its community. The residency not only prepares residents for clinical excellence but also fosters a strong commitment to serving diverse populations.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is strategically structured across four years of training, allowing residents to experience various aspects of psychiatric care through a combination of inpatient and outpatient settings. The first year (PGY-1) includes critical rotations, such as Emergency Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, while subsequent years delve deeper into specialized areas like Addiction Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry. Residents are required to complete an outpatient year primarily at the Memorial Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, where they will learn to integrate multiple disciplines in patient care.

PGY1 Year

During the PGY-1 year, residents participate in core rotations, gaining essential experience in critical areas of psychiatry:

• Consultation Liaison Psychiatry (1 month)
• Emergency Psychiatry (2 months)
• Inpatient Psychiatry (4 months)
• Internal Medicine (4 months)
• Neurology: Inpatient and Outpatient (2 months)

PGY2 Year

In the second year, the focus shifts to specialized psychiatry fields:

• Addiction Psychiatry (3 months)
• Child Psychiatry (3 months)
• Consultation Liaison Psychiatry (3 months)
• Emergency Psychiatry (1 month)
• Geriatric Psychiatry (1 month)
• Inpatient Psychiatry (2 months)

PGY3 Year

The third year enhances outpatient skill development, with residents working in both community-based settings and internal clinics:

• Memorial Outpatient Behavioral Health Center
• Memorial Physician Group Outpatient Psychiatry Practice

Residents also engage in mandatory scholarly activities and psychotherapy sessions to refine their clinical skills.

PGY4 Year

In the final year, residents maintain continuity clinics and participate in advanced electives, including:

• Palliative Care
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Research

Training Sites

The residency is primarily based at Memorial Regional Hospital, recognized as the flagship facility of Memorial Healthcare System and one of the largest public hospitals in the United States. The Center for Behavioral Health, featuring a 65-bed inpatient psychiatry unit, offers extensive exposure to various psychiatric conditions. Additional training sites include the Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, where residents can engage in innovative treatment programs, such as the Esketamine Clinic and Medication-Assisted Treatment programs.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research and scholarly activities, which are mandatory for graduation. With the support of an Office of Human Research and a dedicated Chief Medical Research Officer, residents can undertake projects that contribute to the field while receiving guidance throughout the review process.1

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, which may include J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the program.5

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Psychiatry Residency Program is considered competitive and aims to attract candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to psychiatry. Standard application materials include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• USMLE Step 1 (required), and Step 2 CK and CS (if available)
• Dean's Letter (if applicable)
• Transcripts

While there is no minimum score requirement for the USMLE exams, applicants must comply with the ECFMG certification for graduates of international medical schools.

Benefits

Residents enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Additional resources such as a library, educational stipends, and covered meals in the physician's lounge enhance resident life.7