Tulane University Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
Forensic psychiatryACGME Code:
4062121010The Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Tulane University School of Medicine offers a rigorous and comprehensive training program that prepares fellows to practice in the field of forensic neuropsychiatry. The fellowship emphasizes a diverse range of clinical experiences across numerous institutions, including the East Louisiana State Mental Health System (ELMHS), the Orleans Justice Center (OJC), and the New Orleans Criminal Court, among others. Fellows are immersed in settings that focus on civil, criminal, and juvenile issues, making it a premier program in this subspecialty.
At ELMHS, fellows interact with a historical facility that has housed patients since 1848. This institution accommodates around 640 patients who have been admitted through the criminal justice system, providing fellows with rich experiences in competency restoration. The fellows rotate through various units, including male and female competency restoration units and a chronic unit for patients adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. Each fellow leads an interdisciplinary team, evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and providing testimonies in court when necessary.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows participate in clinical rotations that cover multiple facets of forensic psychiatry:
- Competency Restoration Units: Fellows lead teams, admitting patients and conducting competence evaluations along with experienced colleagues.
- Orleans Justice Center: A modern facility where fellows provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to pre-trial defendants housed at this location.
- New Orleans Criminal Court: Involves evaluating defendants referred to the Sanity Commission for trial competence, which helps fellows hone their evaluative and court testimony skills.
- Forensic Aftercare Clinic: Focuses on outpatient treatment for patients post-hospitalization, where fellows manage 5-6 patients and engage with community resources.
- Child Psychiatry Track: Introduced in 2022, this track equips fellows with expertise in juvenile justice and child forensic issues, encompassing custody evaluations and intervention strategies.
Curriculum and Didactic Training
The program features a robust didactic curriculum designed to ensure fellows are well-versed in areas relevant to forensic psychiatry.
- Core Curriculum Seminars: Covering key topics like medical-legal issues in criminal law, evaluation processes, and the ethical application of psychiatric expertise.
- Expert Witness Training: Fellows receive guidance on writing psychiatric reports and court testimonies, gaining practical skills essential for their careers.
- Weekly Seminars: Including a Landmark Cases seminar and a Clinical Forensic Psychiatry seminar that facilitate in-depth discussions with faculty members.
- Research Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly work which may involve writing for legal digest publications or preparing for presentations at professional meetings.
Supervision and Support
Throughout their training, fellows benefit from continuous supervision from a distinguished faculty with extensive expertise in forensic psychiatry. Individual supervision sessions are held weekly, allowing fellows to receive tailored guidance specific to their professional development goals.
Application Process and Visa Support
The program is open to highly competitive applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, aiming to create a diverse cohort. Specific application requirements may include considerations related to the year of graduation or the maximum allowed failures on STEP examinations.
The fellowship also provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring relevant visa types to ensure qualified individuals can join the program as fellows.
Website
Director
Janet Johnson, MD, MPHProgram Director - Associate Professor of Psychiatry Appointed Since July 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
