Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Application Requirements

The General Psychiatry Residency Program at Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School invites applications solely from graduates of accredited medical schools. Competitive application components include the ERAS application, three letters of recommendation (with at least one from a psychiatry attending), a Dean's letter, and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK results. For DO applicants, COMLEX Part I and II will be accepted in place of USMLE scores. Additionally, an official medical school transcript, personal statement, and photograph are required to complete the application submission.

Program signaling is highly recommended for applicants during the current application cycle. The application review period continues until December 15th, and virtual interviews are scheduled from November to January.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program encompasses a comprehensive four-year curriculum designed to equip residents with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional psychiatric care. Key areas of focus include neuropsychiatry, psychopathology, pharmacology, and various psychotherapeutic techniques. Residents are exposed to specialized training in geriatrics, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), telepsychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry. The final year offers elective options to tailor the educational experience according to individual interests.

Clinical Rotations

Residents participate in a diverse array of clinical rotations throughout the program, allowing them to engage with a wide variety of psychiatric conditions. Major rotations include inpatient psychiatry, neurology, consultation-liaison psychiatry, PTSD treatment at the Veteran's Administration Hospital, and addiction psychiatry at various institutions. Training includes essential elements such as emergency psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and outpatient psychiatric services.

During the first year, PGY-I residents are not required to take psychiatry calls while on internal medicine or emergency medicine rotations. PGY-II residents average on-call responsibilities every sixth or seventh night, while PGY-III residents supervise PGY-I calls.

Didactic Curriculum

The program features a rich didactic curriculum, characterized by innovative teaching methods and weekly protected didactic time every Tuesday. Topics covered include psychopharmacology, child and adolescent psychiatry, community and forensic psychiatry, and a unique psychopathology didactic taught through a movie club format that emphasizes the application of film in psychiatric education.

Research and Scholarly Activities

In addition to clinical training, residents actively participate in research and quality improvement initiatives. The program encourages scholarly activities and provides opportunities for residents to engage in clinically oriented research projects, resulting in numerous publications in respected psychiatric journals.

Unique Program Features

The program prides itself on fostering a supportive and close-knit environment, promoting resident wellness through a dedicated wellness committee that organizes weekly social events. It also emphasizes the importance of diversifying educational experiences across a range of clinical settings, ensuring residents encounter a variety of psychopathological presentations and sociocultural backgrounds.

Moreover, residents benefit from free access to Rutgers University recreation facilities, a comprehensive digital library, and numerous wellness resources tailored to their needs.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports applicants requiring visa sponsorship and is prepared to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating international medical graduates. Information on eligibility and the specifics of the visa sponsorship process can typically be derived from the program's administrative offices.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The program is recognized for being highly competitive, with a strong preference for candidates who adhere closely to the outlined application standards. It is considered DO and IMG-friendly, welcoming applications from diverse medical school backgrounds.

Specific requirements for eligibility include a maximum of two attempts permitted on USMLE Step exams, reflecting the program's commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

Benefits and Salary

The General Psychiatry Residency Program offers a competitive compensation package that includes salaries for various PGY levels, starting from $70,660 for PGY-1 up to $82,139 for PGY-4. Benefits include a robust health insurance package, vacation, professional liability coverage, a book allowance, and funds for conference attendance.