Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth) Program

The Psychiatry Residency Training Program at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth offers a comprehensive and rigorous training experience for residents aspiring to specialize in psychiatry. The program boasts an impressive first-time board pass rate exceeding 95%, showcasing its commitment to educational excellence in the field of psychiatry 1.

Program Overview

This residency provides a wide range of psychiatric care settings, including inpatient services, consultation and liaison, intensive outpatient programs, residential rehabilitation for substance use, and an extensive outpatient department featuring both individual and group therapies. Specialized treatment programs are also available for service members with traumatic brain injuries, emphasizing the program's commitment to diverse psychiatric care 1.

Training Experience

The training program is structured over four years (PGY1-PGY4) and covers various treatment modalities essential for modern psychiatric practice. Residents gain expertise in psychopharmacology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and diverse psychotherapeutic approaches. The program’s location near the largest naval station in the world allows residents to work closely with various operational communities, including military commands across the Eastern Seaboard and the Atlantic Ocean 1.

First Year (PGY1)

In the first year, psychiatry interns rotate through multiple specialties, ensuring a well-rounded education in psychiatry along with compliance with ACGME requirements. Sample rotations include:

• 8 weeks in Inpatient Psychiatry
• 8 weeks in the Psychiatry Emergency Room/Consult Liaison
• 4 weeks in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
• 4 weeks of elective rotations
• Additional rotations include Neurology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Practice

Interns are expected to take 12-hour calls on weekends during inpatient and ER/CL services, with additional didactics led by faculty and senior residents to reinforce learning 3.

Second Year (PGY2)

The second year focuses on the management of psychiatric patients in both emergency and inpatient settings. Trainees are involved in six inpatient rotations and six ER/CL rotations. Notable experiences include leading the psychiatric emergency service and managing cases at both the Naval Medical Center and Riverside Behavioral Health Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. Didactics continues to be an integral part of the training, taking place every Wednesday from 12 PM to 4 PM 4.

Third Year (PGY3)

The third year emphasizes outpatient care and the application of advanced psychotherapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Residents can also engage in tailored experiences based on their interests, with opportunities to work in specialty clinics, such as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and participate in ECT procedures 5.

Fourth Year (PGY4)

In the final year, residents further refine their outpatient skills while reducing their patient load to allow for leadership and educational responsibilities. They participate in operational psychiatry rotations, forensic evaluations, and community service board collaborations, preparing them for independent practice as well-rounded psychiatrists 6.

Research and Unique Aspects

The program encourages residents to engage in quality improvement initiatives, research, and publications at both local and national levels, fostering a culture of inquiry and leadership. This focus on individual development is tailored to support residents in pursuing their specific interests across various psychiatry experiences 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, supporting J-1 and H-1B visa applications. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a graduate of an accredited medical school, possessing valid ECFMG certification if applicable, and fulfilling any additional requirements as stated by the program.

Application competitiveness is moderate, and although the program is friendly to applicants, including DOs and IMGs, strong academic performance and relevant clinical experience are crucial for acceptance. Special attention is given to applicants with robust extracurricular involvement and unique experiences in psychiatry 1.

Living in Virginia

Portsmouth, Virginia, is positioned conveniently near both urban and natural attractions, offering a desirable cost of living and family-friendly environment. The region features access to national and state parks, wineries, breweries, historical sites, and a range of cultural activities, making it an attractive place for residents to live and work 1.