Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Greenville (Greer) Program

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Psychiatry Residency Program located in Greer, South Carolina, is committed to providing a community-oriented and collaborative training environment. Emphasizing a holistic approach to mental health care, the program integrates biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors into both formulation and treatment strategies. Throughout the residency, evidence-based medicine is highlighted, and residents are supported in their development as compassionate physicians who are capable of making a significant difference in their patients' lives within the community 1.

Program Structure and Training Sites

The program offers a four-year training cycle, accepting eight residents per year, which allows for ample interpersonal interactions and mentorship opportunities. The residency is situated on the Greer Memorial Hospital campus, in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the teaching mission, sharing space with Neurology and Family Medicine departments. This co-location facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration and integrative learning experiences for residents 16.

Residents rotate through several key training sites, including:

• Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital: A major regional referral center housing a wide range of health services, including a Level I trauma center.
• Prisma Health Marshall I. Pickens Hospital: An acute psychiatric facility that provides comprehensive treatment for various patient populations, including dedicated units for adult and child patients.
• Community Mental Health Centers: Offer outpatient services to a diverse range of patients, including specialized programs for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Greenville County Detention Center: A facility where residents gain experience managing various psychiatric conditions in a correctional setting.
• Patrick B. Harris Hospital: The state psychiatric hospital that provides experience with chronic mental health conditions and longer-term care strategies.

This diverse assortment of training sites ensures that residents gain comprehensive experience across different settings in mental health care 14.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at the Greer program employs a longitudinal model, which contrasts with the block scheduling commonly found in other residency programs. This structure means that residents can work alongside peers from other specialties, such as neurology and family medicine, on a consistent basis throughout their training. Residents are expected to follow patients over extended periods, enhancing their understanding of treatment outcomes amidst real-world clinical settings 13.

Each year has a focused structure:

• PGY-1: Residents begin with a blend of inpatient and outpatient clinical experiences. Rotations include adult inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, neurology, and family medicine, providing a strong foundation in both psychiatric and medical care.
• PGY-2: This year expands on the foundation established in the first year, with rotations dedicated to subspecialties such as child & adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry, alongside psychotherapy training.
• PGY-3: Residents focus on longitudinal outpatient psychiatry, gaining supervised experience in various outpatient clinics designed for specialized patient populations.
• PGY-4: The final year primarily consists of elective rotations, allowing residents to tailor their experiences based on career goals and interests. This includes opportunities in consultation-liaison psychiatry, administrative psychiatry, and advanced psychotherapy electives.

Throughout their training, residents also engage in protected didactic learning, enhancing both teaching skills and clinical knowledge through conferences and guest lectures 12.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is an integral part of the training program. Residents engage in scholarly activity, including individual research projects and group quality improvement projects as upper-level residents. Mentorship from faculty is pivotal during this process, allowing residents to contribute to significant advancements in the field 11.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina Psychiatry Residency Program is regarded as highly competitive while remaining receptive to diverse applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with osteopathic backgrounds. The program sponsors J-1 visas, which facilitate the participation of international physicians in training 9.

Application requirements include:

• An electronic application via ERAS, including a transcript, a dean's letter, and three letters of recommendation.
• Preferred US clinical experience, though not mandatory.
• Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 for allopathic graduates, or COMLEX Level 1 and 2 for osteopathic graduates.
• No maximum limit on attempts for standardized exams, although multiple attempts may affect interview consideration.
• Candidates should be fully ECFMG certified by the application deadline.

Applications must be submitted by December 31, with interviews typically conducted in October through November on invitation-only basis. A supportive and friendly learning environment is actively encouraged within the program 8.

Conclusion

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina Greer Psychiatry Residency is dedicated to cultivating skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded psychiatrists capable of meeting the mental health needs of their communities. The program's focus on long-term patient care, collaborative learning, and community involvement are distinctive features that enhance the training experience in psychiatry 16.