One Brooklyn Health System/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center Program

The Psychiatry Residency Training Program at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center offers comprehensive and fully accredited residency training in Psychiatry, facilitated by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is part of the One Brooklyn Health System (OBH), providing residents with robust opportunities to gain diverse clinical experience across various community hospitals. Residents are exposed to an array of psychiatric disorders, allowing them to develop a well-rounded skill set essential for future psychiatric practice.

The four-year residency program encompasses distinct training years, each designed to build progressively on the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in psychiatry.

Post-Graduate Training Years Overview

Post-Graduate Training Year I (PGY-1)

The first year typically involves rotations across different medical specialties, with a significant emphasis on Internal Medicine and Neurology, each lasting six months. These rotations are crucial in establishing a foundational medical knowledge base relevant to psychiatry. Additionally, PGY-1 residents engage in introductory training in Inpatient Psychiatry and Emergency Psychiatry, which offer vital experience in acute psychiatric care and crisis management.

Post-Graduate Training Year II (PGY-2)

During the second year, residents gain further exposure to advanced psychiatric practices through rotations in Consultation & Liaison Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, and Geriatric Psychiatry. Each of these subspecialties allows residents to understand the intricate relationships between psychiatric and medical conditions, the management of substance use disorders, and the unique considerations necessary for older adult psychiatric care. Supervising junior residents and medical students is also introduced, fostering leadership skills in residents.

Post-Graduate Training Year III (PGY-3)

In the third year, residents predominantly focus on outpatient psychiatry, spending significant time in the Adult Outpatient Department. Exposure to Child Outpatient settings and the integration of telemedicine into practice are also vital elements of this year. Residents learn various psychotherapy modalities, enhancing their therapeutic skills and preparing them for potential subspecialty opportunities in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through fast-tracking options.

Post-Graduate Training Year IV (PGY-4)

The final year emphasizes the transition from resident to independent psychiatrist. Senior residents refine their advanced psychiatric skills in diverse clinical settings while potentially taking on the Chief Resident role, which aids in developing management capabilities necessary for future practice.

Resident Work Schedule and Didactics

Residents typically begin their workday at 8 a.m. on major rotations and share off-hour coverage to ensure continuous patient care. Various call schedules are implemented throughout residency years, including nightly expectations for PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents. PGY-4 residents primarily focus on advanced supervision roles and mentoring but can engage in supervisory call with compensation.

An integral component of training includes regular didactic sessions, where residents are required to attend at least 70% of classes. Weekly Grand Rounds provide further educational opportunities, presenting current and clinically relevant topics to enhance residents’ medical competencies.

Research and Quality Improvement

The program encourages research participation, offering courses on research methodology and opportunities for independent projects. Through collaborative quality improvement initiatives, residents develop critical skills in project management and data analysis.

Resident Wellness

Emphasizing mental health and wellness, the program provides a dedicated resident lounge, promoting camaraderie and providing a place for relaxation and social interaction among residents.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must be graduates from medical schools accredited by the American Association of Medical Colleges. International medical graduates need to be fully certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). There are no strict cut-offs for USMLE scores or year of graduation, though experience in psychiatry and relevant research is considered favorably.

Visa sponsorship options are available for J-1 or H-1B visas for qualified international applicants offering contract agreements for those needing assistance in the application process.

Competitiveness

The psychiatry residency program at Brookdale is recognized as highly competitive. It considers both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates favorably, offering a supportive environment for all applicants who demonstrate a commitment to psychiatric care.