Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

Program Overview

The Psychiatry program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a comprehensive residency designed to develop competent and compassionate psychiatrists prepared to meet the diverse mental health needs of the community. The program emphasizes a combination of clinical training, research, and academic learning, ensuring residents build a strong foundational understanding of psychiatric principles grounded in evidence-based practice.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured across multiple years, providing residents with increasing levels of responsibility as they advance through their training. The core areas covered include General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and various subspecialty rotations. The learning experience evolves through various stages starting with direct patient care in the first year, progressing to more specialized and complex cases in subsequent years.

Yearly Breakdown

1. PGY-1: Residents primarily engage in preliminary clinical training, including Internal Medicine and Neurology, which assists in building a foundation for psychiatric practice.
2. PGY-2: In this year, residents commence core psychiatric rotations, focusing on inpatient environments while beginning outpatient experiences to integrate their learning.
3. PGY-3: The third year enhances outpatient skills, including individual therapy, group therapy, and continuity of care, preparing residents for independent practice.
4. PGY-4: Senior residents take on leadership roles within the program, guiding junior residents and managing complex cases alongside faculty supervision.

Rotations

The Psychiatry program includes various rotations across distinct settings which enhance clinical exposure. Rotations include but are not limited to:

• Adult inpatient psychiatry
• Outpatient clinics
• Consultation-liaison psychiatry
• Pediatric psychiatry
• Addiction psychiatry

These rotations are designed to provide residents with a breadth of experiences and expertise in dealing with diverse patient populations and psychiatric conditions.

Research Opportunities

OHSU encourages residents to engage in research throughout their training. Various projects are often available, spanning multiple psychiatric disciplines such as neurobiology, psychotherapy methods, and innovative treatment strategies. Residents are guided by faculty mentors, allowing them to contribute to groundbreaking psychiatric research while honing critical analytical skills.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Psychiatry program at OHSU prioritizes several unique aspects:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program relies on interdisciplinary teamwork, encouraging collaboration with various fields including psychology, social work, and nursing to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Community Engagement: Residents participate in community outreach programs, gaining exposure to the real-world mental health landscape while enhancing their understanding of systemic issues affecting mental health.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The program actively promotes diversity by integrating cultural competence into their training, ensuring residents can identify and address sociocultural factors in patient care.

Training Sites

OHSU provides access to various training sites, enabling residents to experience different care models:

• OHSU Hospital: A primary teaching hospital serving adults and children.
• Bridges: A specialized facility for community mental health.
• Portland VA Medical Center: Offering opportunities to work with veteran populations.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. Typically, J-1 and H-1B visas are sponsored, making the program accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Psychiatry program at OHSU is considered competitive, nurturing an environment of inclusivity for diverse applicants, including DO and IMG applicants. Specific application requirements include:

• A completed application, including letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
• Eligibility for licensure in the state of Oregon must be confirmed.
• No more than one failed STEP exam, maintaining high academic standards.