SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is known for its long-standing commitment to training skilled clinicians, researchers, and educators in the field of geriatric psychiatry. Established in 1984, this program is hosted at the State University of New York Health Science Education Center located in Brooklyn, New York. The program focuses on equipping physicians with the necessary skills to deliver culturally competent care to older adults in diverse urban public settings. Emphasis is placed on a person-centered approach to geriatrics, fostering collaboration among fellows across various geriatric disciplines.

The mission of the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship aligns with that of SUNY Downstate Medical Center, which emphasizes exceptional education for healthcare professionals, advancing biomedical research, and delivering high-quality patient-centered care, especially to globally diverse communities. The values underlying the program are encapsulated in the acronym P.R.I.D.E., which stands for Professionalism, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, and Excellence.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship involves a combination of clinical training, theoretical lectures, and research experiences that prepare the fellows for excellence in geriatric psychiatry.

Clinical Rotations

Training includes various clinical rotations designed to provide hands-on experience in different aspects of psychiatric care for the elderly. One significant rotation occurs at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, focusing on intermediate inpatient care in geropsychiatry, where fellows are exposed to a range of conditions prevalent in the geriatric population, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe personality disorders. Fellows are expected to engage in geriatric diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and therapy techniques amongst a diverse patient demographic, which enhances the fellows’ multicultural understanding of geriatric health issues.

Another critical component of the program involves working in outpatient settings, including the Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic. Here, fellows are involved in various therapeutic modalities, including individual and family therapy. They manage a caseload of patients and participate in case conferences to enhance their clinical skills under supervision from experienced psychiatrists.

Didactic Learning

The educational structure also includes a core lecture series and interdisciplinary conferences that cover topics such as aging, dementia, public health, and interprofessional collaboration. These presentations are pivotal in fostering a collaborative learning environment, enabling fellows to interact with peers from different professional backgrounds and gain insights from diverse perspectives.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows in this program are encouraged to dedicate approximately 10% of their time to research, which is fundamental for career development in academic and clinical settings. The research focuses primarily on pressing topics within geriatric psychiatry, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and the effects of trauma in older populations. This focus allows fellows to contribute to the body of knowledge in geriatric psychiatry, fostering innovative strategies for improved patient outcomes.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinct feature of the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at SUNY Downstate is its rich cultural environment that reflects the demographics of New York City. The program serves a substantial Afro-American population, which presents unique challenges and learning opportunities for the fellows. The faculty comprises multicultural and multilingual professionals, creating an inclusive atmosphere that enhances the educational experience for trainees from all backgrounds.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support, sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visa types for international medical graduates. This policy facilitates a diverse cohort of fellows, enriching the learning environment with varying international medical perspectives.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse group of candidates including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to geriatric psychiatry and public health. Specific application requirements may include limitations on the year of graduation and performance on standardized examinations, ensuring that applicants are well-prepared for the demands of the fellowship.