Old Dominion University Program

The Old Dominion University Program in Psychiatry offers a comprehensive residency experience grounded in diversity and community-based practices. Each resident participates in an integrated training program that spans multiple hospitals and clinics, facilitating interactions with a variety of patient populations.

Curriculum Overview

The psychiatry residency program adheres strictly to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards, fostering a foundational training that balances clinical practice with didactic education. The program's aim is to cultivate residents into proficient psychiatrists, rich in knowledge and practical skills.3

Residents partake in a structured curriculum that emphasizes psychotherapy alongside general psychiatry practice. Initially, during the first year (PGY1), residents work extensively on assessment and differential diagnosis, under the guidance of experienced faculty, and begin delivering supportive psychotherapy to patients from the outset.3

Rotations

Throughout the training, residents experience a wide variety of rotations:

• First Year: Focus on Inpatient Psychiatry (6 months), Internal Medicine (4 months), and Neurology (2 months).
• Second Year: Inpatient Psychiatry (3 months), Consult and Liaison (3 months), Child Psychiatry (2 months), Emergency Psychiatry (3 months), and additional rotations.
• Third Year: Predominantly outpatient care, with a longitudinal experience across 12 months and night float work.
• Fourth Year: Increased responsibilities, with opportunities to teach junior residents and supervise patient care activities.

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Research Opportunities

Scholarly activity is highly encouraged, potentially manifesting in clinical research, case presentations, or participation in quality improvement initiatives. The program supports residents to present their findings at various conferences, enhancing their professional development and networking opportunities within the field.3

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants. It is necessary for candidates to be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and demonstrate relevant clinical experience in the United States prior to application. No out-of-match offers are extended, and applicants are advised to submit complete materials through the application system by the established deadline.2

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is competitive, with specific application prerequisites. Candidates must pass the USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX Step 1 and 2, allowing for only one failure per examination.2

Applicants must possess a degree from a recognized medical school, ideally having graduated within five years. Additionally, international medical graduates need to have documentation from the ECFMG and evidence of clinical experience in psychiatry in the US. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a psychiatrist, supplemented with a completed application form, are necessary for processing.2

Clinical Training Sites

Key training sites include Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center among others. These diverse clinical settings ensure residents experience various psychiatric conditions across multiple demographics, promoting rich clinical learning.3

Living in Hampton Roads

Situated in the vibrant Hampton Roads area of Virginia, residents benefit from a low cost of living alongside ample cultural and recreational opportunities. The locale presents a range of lifestyle options, drawing upon an engaging community filled with historical landmarks, Atlantic coastal access, and numerous parks and recreational areas ideal for work-life balance.8

Access to public transportation via Hampton Roads Transit and regional attractions enrich the residents' overall experience, ensuring a supportive and dynamic environment for training.8

In conclusion, the Old Dominion University Psychiatry residency program provides an integrative educational approach that prepares residents for fulfilling careers in psychiatry through a blend of clinical exposure, didactic learning, and community engagement.