UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is a comprehensive training program designed to develop excellent consultation-liaison psychiatrists. This subspecialty fellowship integrates both psychiatric and medical knowledge, emphasizing the psychological interactions with medical disorders. The program focuses on providing advanced training in psychiatric care for patients with medical conditions throughout various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty care facilities.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship is structured to include rigorous academic and clinical components. During the training, fellows actively participate in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with other specialties to evaluate and manage complex cases involving psychiatric disorders in medical patients. The curriculum underscores evidence-based practices, offering fellows the opportunity to develop skills in clinical assessment, formulation, and implementation of treatment plans tailored to patient needs.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are a key component of the fellowship experience. Fellows engage in various rotations across multiple settings, including:

• Inpatient Psychiatric Services: Fellows will provide psychiatric assessments and management within the hospital setting, focusing on acutely medically ill patients.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: This rotation involves direct service within the hospital and coordinated care with medical wards, emergency departments, and intensive care units.
• Outpatient Consultation-Liaison Services: Engagement in outpatient settings helps fellows refine their skills in long-term management and follow-up care.
• Research and Quality Improvement Projects: Fellows will engage in scholarly activities, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within the field.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical aspect of the fellowship, as it enhances the educational experience and improves clinical practices. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and may have opportunities to initiate their investigations under the mentorship of faculty. Areas of research focus may include psychosomatic medicine, trauma-informed care, and developing innovative treatment models integrating psychiatry with medical care. Collaboration with other departments within UCLA further extends research initiatives.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers numerous unique facets that enhance the fellowship experience:

• Interdisciplinary Teams: Fellows benefit from a collaborative environment, working alongside physicians from various specialties.
• Diverse Patient Population: Training in Los Angeles provides exposure to a wide array of cultural backgrounds and complex medical cases.
• Emphasis on Advocacy: The program encourages fellows to engage in advocacy efforts, raising awareness of mental health issues, especially among medically ill patients.

Training Sites

The fellowship utilizes multiple training sites to provide diverse clinical experiences:

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: This facility serves as the primary teaching hospital where fellows rotate through various services.
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: An affiliated site that offers additional inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care.
• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: This site includes unique opportunities for fellows to work with veteran populations in psychosomatic medicine contexts.

Visa Support

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is committed to supporting international fellows. The program is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating entry for international medical graduates who meet the fellowship's eligibility criteria.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is considered competitive, attracting a range of applicants, including U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). While the program is generally DO-friendly, specific application requirements include:

• Graduation Year: The program typically prefers applicants who have graduated within the last five years.
• Step Exams: Applicants are encouraged to have passed all parts of the USMLE; however, there may be specific considerations for applicants who have faced challenges.
• Letters of Recommendation: A robust reference from faculty who can attest to the applicant's clinical skills and experience in psychiatry.

Fellows are selected based on their overall qualifications, enthusiasm for the subspecialty, and fit within the program's collaborative culture.