One Brooklyn Health System/Interfaith Medical Center Program

The Psychiatry Residency Training Program at One Brooklyn Health System (Interfaith Medical Center) offers a comprehensive and well-rounded four-year training experience in psychiatry. The program is designed to provide residents with extensive clinical exposure across various settings, ensuring a diverse array of patients and psychiatric disorders are encountered throughout training. A dedicated faculty supervises and instructs residents in every rotation, fostering an environment where personalized education is prioritized.

The structure of the residency is divided into distinct phases, wherein residents experience a variety of clinical rotations and didactic learning. In the first two years, the training includes rotations in inpatient acute psychiatric treatment units, substance use disorder units, consultation/liaison services, and emergency psychiatry. Additionally, outpatient experiences occur at several clinics, including the Center for Mental Health, Bishop Walker Clinic, and the Behavioral Health Program, which collectively cater to a diverse population drawn from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

Clinical Rotations

The residency consists of specific clinical rotations designed to build competence and confidence in psychiatric practice. During the first year (PGY-1), residents undergo:

• 4 blocks of Internal Medicine
• 2 blocks of Neurology
• 4 blocks of Inpatient Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Emergency Psychiatry

The second year (PGY-2) includes:

• 7 blocks of Inpatient Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Emergency Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry
• 1 block of Addiction Psychiatry/Detox Unit

In the third year (PGY-3), residents focus on:

• 12 blocks of Outpatient Rotation

The final year (PGY-4) encompasses:

• 1 block of Geriatric Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Child Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Emergency Room Psychiatry
• 2 blocks of Inpatient Psychiatry
• 5 blocks of Elective Rotation

Didactic Curriculum

Education during residency is complemented with didactics tailored to each year. For example:

• PGY-1 includes seminars on Mental Status Exams, Basic Psychopharmacology, and Supportive Psychotherapy.
• PGY-2 delves into DSM V Disorders, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Resource Management.
• PGY-3 focuses on outpatient psychiatry, covering Advanced Psychopathology and various therapeutic techniques.
• PGY-4 is geared towards preparing residents to lead teams and manage administrative duties while also covering board prep and topics such as Family/Couples Therapy.

Application Criteria

Applicants to the program must complete a variety of documentation, including a full ERAS application, curriculum vitae, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Candidates are expected to have graduated from medical school within the last 10 years, possess ECFMG certification for international graduates, and have valid USMLE scores—particularly favoring those with passed Step III.

Specifically, applicants should secure three letters of recommendation (with one from an ABPN board-certified psychiatrist) and demonstrate proficiency in the English language. The selection process considers various factors, including scholarly presentations and publications, which may enhance a candidate's interview chances.

Visa Sponsorship

International Medical Graduates are supported through J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship, provided they are ECFMG certified by the time of the interview. The program actively seeks individuals who are ready to engage in comprehensive patient care and adhere to the rigorous standards expected by the medical center.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Psychiatry Residency Program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging applications from a wide variety of candidates, including DO and IMG applicants. The program cultivates an environment conducive to learning, emphasizing a holistic approach to training that prepares residents to meet the mental health needs of diverse patient populations.

Unique Aspects

A highlight of the residency program is the supportive learning structure that includes a “buddy system,” where each new resident is paired with a more experienced peer for mentorship. This initiative, along with an open-door policy for residents to engage with faculty and chief residents, fosters a collaborative and enriching educational environment.

Clinical Training Locations

Residency training occurs across various clinical sites within the One Brooklyn Health System, encompassing a multitude of facilities equipped to provide extensive mental health services. Settings include clinical units that focus on different treatment modalities ranging from acute inpatient care to outpatient rehabilitation, thereby ensuring that residents gain a broad spectrum of experience.