Tower Health/Reading Hospital Program

The Reading Hospital - Tower Health Psychiatry Residency training program offers a comprehensive four-year, ACGME-accredited residency in general psychiatry. This program is designed to produce well-rounded psychiatrists who are proficient in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. The curriculum is structured to ensure residents achieve competency in a variety of clinical practices, including inpatient and outpatient care, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, and child and adolescent psychiatry across multiple clinical environments throughout Berks County.

At the completion of the residency, graduates are expected to possess the ACGME-defined core competencies, which include patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice 1.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Reading Hospital - Tower Health Psychiatry Residency is to cultivate ethical, compassionate, and skilled psychiatrists prepared for diverse careers in clinical practice, academia, and administration. This mission aligns closely with that of Tower Health, emphasizing the provision of high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare to the community 1.

Training Facilities

Reading Hospital is a prominent 714-bed nonprofit teaching hospital classified as a Level I Trauma Center, known for its rich history in medical education and teaching. It collaborates with Drexel University College of Medicine to enhance medical education in the region. Additionally, the Tower Behavioral Health facility offers specialized behavioral health services, which include a wide range of psychiatric care options, accommodating a diverse patient population with extensive psychiatric needs 2.

Curriculum Overview

PGY-1 Rotations

The first year includes key rotations in primary care and neurology, allowing residents to engage in core practices central to understanding psychiatric needs. Residents complete additional months in both inpatient psychiatry and psychiatric emergency settings 2.

PGY-2 Rotations

During the second year, residents rotate through various critical areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatrics, community psychiatry, and other essential subspecialties, enabling them to gain a thorough grounding in essential psychiatric practices 2.

PGY-3 and PGY-4 Rotations

The third year emphasizes outpatient practice, while the fourth year focuses on elective opportunities, providing experiences such as working as 'Junior Faculty' to help prepare residents for future clinical roles or fellowship opportunities 2.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic curriculum throughout the residency begins with foundational education in psychiatric assessment, professionalism, and psychopharmacology. The program ensures an active focus on physician wellness and stress management in its teachings. Residents progress through their training by deepening their understanding of various psychiatric disorders, ethical issues, and research methodologies, preparing them for real-world psychiatric practices 3.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research as part of their training, with support to develop quality improvement projects and clinical case publications. Collaborative projects with faculty members help foster research experience and opportunities for professional development 3.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The program is open and welcoming to a diverse range of applicants, including those from allopathic, osteopathic, and international medical schools. To be eligible, applicants must hold a medical degree from an LCME or AOA-accredited institution, have ECFMG certification, and preferably possess U.S. healthcare experience. Prospective residents need to present a minimum of three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The application process is conducted through ERAS, with no out-of-match positions available 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship through J-1, H-1B, and other supported visa categories, facilitating residency for qualified international applicants 5.

Conclusion

With a focus on comprehensive training, research, and community care, the Reading Hospital - Tower Health Psychiatry Residency is well-structured to develop the next generation of competent psychiatrists prepared for an array of professional opportunities.