Rochester General Hospital Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at Rochester General Hospital is designed to cultivate skilled clinicians prepared for a diverse array of clinical presentations, powered by an experienced faculty and a comprehensive curriculum. The program prides itself on being one of five teaching hospitals serving a 14-county radius in upstate New York, specifically focusing on mental health advocacy and education.

Program Overview

This residency is structured to provide residents with a robust and enriching experience within a busy and well-established clinical program that caters to a wide variety of patients. The program emphasizes the biopsychosocial model of care, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within its facilities.

Clinical Exposure

The clinical exposure provided through the residency is extensive, preparing residents for various clinical challenges. The Rochester General Hospital features a 528-bed capacity and has the 11th busiest emergency department in the United States. In 2019 alone, the psychiatric inpatient unit attended to 648 adult patients, while the Psychiatric Emergency Department saw 2,837 patients. Rotations include urban and rural settings that cover adult and child psychiatry, substance use disorders, geriatric psychiatry, and outpatient chronic mental health services among others 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is carefully designed to develop competencies year by year. Residents participate in a structured didactic program that includes a protected half-day specifically for lectures and clinical case discussions. There are opportunities to engage in teaching and receive training in educational methodologies. Various psychotherapy models, wellness practices, and prevention strategies are included in the curriculum. Residents will also benefit from community outreach initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding behavioral health conditions 2.

Resident Training Structure

The training protocol consists of four years of residency (PGY-1 through PGY-4), with opportunities for longitudinal experiences designed to enhance the overall educational experience 3.

Research Opportunities

While Rochester General Hospital is not a university program, many faculty members hold university appointments and are active participants in research. Residents are encouraged to engage in research initiatives related to their interests and the needs of the community. Faculty members frequently present at multiple levels including local, regional, and international venues 4.

Benefits and Compensation

The program offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Salary for PGY-1: $70,000
• Salary for PGY-2: $72,000
• Salary for PGY-3: $75,000
• Salary for PGY-4: $79,000

In addition to salaries, residents also receive various benefits such as:

• Four weeks of paid vacation per year
• An allowance of $1,500 per year for educational expenses
• Professional liability insurance
• A wellness center membership

The program is also committed to mental wellness and work-life balance, structured to avoid resident burnout 5.

Application Process

Interested applicants should be legally eligible to work in the U.S. or obtain work authorization. The program expects three letters of recommendation, including one from a psychiatrist, no more than one failure on the USMLE/COMLEX, and effective communication skills in English (both written and verbal). The application submission requires the use of ERAS. Notably, the program also offers H1B visa sponsorships 6.

Competitiveness

The Psychiatry Residency at Rochester General is recognized as competitive, with a welcoming attitude towards both DO and IMG candidates. This reflects the program's commitment to a diverse incoming class that can contribute varied perspectives to the training experience 7.

Location and Community

The Greater Rochester area boasts diverse cultural experiences including arts, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Its vibrant community and proximity to various natural and urban settings make it an attractive location for residency training 8.