Michigan State University Program

The geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Michigan State University (MSU) offers a one-year clinically focused experience designed for those who enjoy working with older adults and handling the complexities of frail elders through a collaborative team-based approach. The fellowship exposes fellows to a multitude of components relevant to older adult care, encompassing inpatient settings, telepsychiatry (outpatient), consultation-liaison psychiatry, rehabilitation, and neurology, all within a supportive and active learning environment 1.

During the fellowship, fellows engage with experienced teaching faculty, allowing them to develop essential diagnostic and treatment skills necessary for effective geriatric psychiatric practice. The program includes crucial rotations, such as the geriatric psychiatry unit at McLaren Greater Lansing, which offers a comprehensive range of services tailored for older adults. Fellows further enhance their learning through consultation-liaison experiences at Sparrow Hospital, where they work alongside psychiatrists who possess expertise in both medical and psychiatric care. Additionally, rehabilitation and long-term care are addressed through clinical experiences at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility, an esteemed rehabilitation and long-term care establishment in Lansing 1.

The fellowship also encourages collaboration with MSU medical students and psychiatry residents, presenting numerous teaching opportunities. A rich variety of clinical electives enhances the training, with options such as palliative care, hospice, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and community-based psychiatry available for fellows. Importantly, MSU provides a conducive environment for research collaboration within this fellowship setting, facilitating the opportunity to engage in scholarly activities 1.

Application Requirements

The application process for the MSU Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship requires candidates to adhere to specific selection criteria. Applicants must hold either a permanent visa or U.S. citizenship. It is essential for all applicants to possess a valid license to practice medicine in the U.S., have completed a minimum of two years in an accredited adult psychiatry residency, and hold either a U.S. or Canadian medical degree accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or an osteopathic medical degree accredited by the American Osteopathic Association 2.

Additional application requirements include achieving a minimum USMLE or COMLEX score of 75+, successfully passing the Clinical Skills Assessment Exam, and having a grade point average of 3.0 or above. Candidates must present evidence of commitment to geriatric psychiatry in their personal statements and should demonstrate expert written and oral competency in English. Required documentation comprises three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, official USMLE/COMLEX score reports, verification of residency training, along with a Dean’s Letter from the medical school where the candidate graduated 2.

Training and Educational Structure

The educational structure offered by the MSU Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship is grounded in an in-depth training program aimed at preparing fellow psychiatrists for the complexities involved in treating elderly patients who manage intricate health issues. Fellows rotate through various community-based settings, including participation in weekly didactics and seminars that foster extensive learning opportunities 3.

Didactic sessions occur half a day each week, throughout the year, covering critical topics such as common psychiatric disorders in late life, psychotherapy, long-term care psychiatry, as well as important discussions on legal and policy issues relevant to geriatric psychiatry. Additional subjects include neuropsychology, the genetics of late-life mental illnesses, and an exploration of ethical considerations 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive and welcomes applications from those with international backgrounds, but candidates must meet the established visa requirements. The program is geared toward U.S. citizens and permanent residents, ensuring that applicants possess the appropriate qualifications to gain residency training in the fellowship. The MSU Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship is inclusive and may consider applications from DOs and International Medical Graduates, provided they fulfill the required criteria 2.

Benefits and Salary

The fellows in the program receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and disability insurance, as well as malpractice coverage. The annual salary and time-off allotments include 20 vacation days, along with 5 days allocated for continuing medical education (CME), supported by a reimbursement of $1,000 for further educational endeavors 2.