National Capital Consortium Program

Program Overview

The National Capital Consortium (NCC) Forensic Psychiatry fellowship training program is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program situated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. This fellowship represents the sole military training opportunity for physicians seeking to specialize in forensic psychiatry. Graduates of the program become eligible for board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in Forensic Psychiatry 1.

Mission, Vision, and Aims

The mission of the NCC Forensic Psychiatry fellowship is to deliver extensive training to active duty officers, aiming to cultivate advanced competencies in forensic psychiatry. These competencies encompass objectivity and confidence in providing expert testimony, complete assessments and analyses of criminal defendants, and a thorough understanding of the intersectionality of the legal and psychiatric fields. Graduates will have the qualifications necessary to serve as forensic experts in various military contexts and courts-martial around the world 1.

In essence, the program's vision positions the NCC Forensic Psychiatry fellowship as a cornerstone between policy, law, and forensic mental health within the Department of Defense. The aims focus on training military forensic psychiatrists to enhance operations, provide vital consultations, and equip graduates with unparalleled expertise uniquely tailored to their jurisdictional needs 1.

Curriculum and Schedules

The curriculum includes weekly didactic sessions every Friday, during which topics covering civil, criminal, and military-specific forensic mental health are discussed. These sessions frequently feature guest speakers from civilian and federal entities to provide insights on subjects such as consultation with law enforcement and developments in federal law 1.

The training is divided between two main sites: six months are spent at the WRNMMC Center for Forensic Behavioral Sciences, where fellows conduct criminal and civil evaluations and expert testimony globally, and six months at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital in Jessup, Maryland, a maximum-security forensic institution 1. While there are no elective opportunities offered within the fellowship, fellows engage in call responsibilities with general psychiatry residents at either WRNMMC or the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center, with expectations of 3-4 weeks of call over the academic year 1.

Research and Professional Development

Fellows are actively involved in scholarly activities, including lecture presentations and legal case analyses intended for publication. The program encourages the identification, design, and implementation of quality improvement projects, particularly those emphasizing interprofessional teamwork 1. In addition, fellows contribute to the development of military policies related to psychiatry, which further solidifies their professional growth and involvement within the military structure.

Participating Sites and Additional Opportunities

Fellows receive training at WRNMMC and the Clifton T. Perkins facility, with opportunities to train at other sites depending on interests and case availability. These additional sites include St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Virginia 1.

Applicant Information and Requirements

For those interested in the fellowship, military psychiatry residents in their PGY-4 year should coordinate for a 2 or 4-week rotation to evaluate compatibility with the program. Eligible candidates must have graduated from medical school and completed an ACGME-accredited residency in psychiatry 1.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The NCC Forensic Psychiatry fellowship is considered highly competitive, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates, although specific application requirements such as year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams are not explicitly detailed. The program may support applicants with appropriate visa statuses, with possibilities for sponsorship such as H-1B or J-1 visas depending on the individual's situation 1.

Well-Being and Support

The program prioritizes the well-being of fellows, providing them with access to fitness facilities and hosting team-building retreats to foster a supportive environment 1.