National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium Program in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry is a distinguished military graduate medical education program located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. This program is structured to prepare military medical corps officers and is tailored for the unique demands of military psychiatry.

Program Overview

As a four-year residency, the program integrates rigorous clinical training with the mission to develop competencies in general psychiatry applicable across military and civilian environments. Graduates are expected to emerge as adept practitioners who can navigate both military medical operations and multi-disciplinary mental health settings. The program encompasses various essential areas, prominently focusing on military psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy 1.

The NCC Psychiatry Residency collaborates with three prominent military institutions: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The faculty comprises recognized leaders in the field, specializing in various subspecialties, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency involves diverse rotation opportunities designed to build a comprehensive skill set for residents. Training encompasses rotations in adult inpatient services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, outpatient settings, and neuropsychiatry. Special electives are also available in areas such as geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, outpatient addiction, and more 1.

Specific training sites include established institutions like INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, and the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Hospital, allowing residents to engage with a broad patient population and different clinical settings. The program also emphasizes self-directed learning opportunities, encouraging residents to explore individual interests during their training 1.

The curriculum is designed around weekly conferences, including Grand Rounds and morbidity and mortality discussions, aiming to cultivate continuous learning and professional development throughout the residency 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The National Capital Consortium fosters a robust research environment. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, with opportunities to lead quality improvement projects and participate in faculty-led research initiatives. The program actively collaborates with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, promoting resident involvement in addressing military mental health challenges 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is particularly competitive, with specific attention to military candidates from the Army and Navy. It is structured as a military training program, welcoming U.S. citizens and those eligible for military service. Visa support is available; the program typically sponsors H-1B and J-1 visas for international medical graduates, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can participate 1.

Application Requirements and Commitment to Diversity

Applicants to the program should fulfill specific criteria, including successful completion of an ACGME-accredited PGY-1 residency. There are no strict categorical requirements regarding graduation year or Step exam failures, making the program accessible while retaining high standards for entry. Additionally, the program emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its residency culture, creating a welcoming environment that reflects a broad range of perspectives 1.

An important feature of this residency is the focus on resident and faculty well-being, with a structure that promotes health and wellness throughout training periods. Wellness activities and support systems are integrated into the program to ensure that trainees can thrive both personally and professionally 1.