UMass Chan - Baystate Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at UMass Chan - Baystate is an innovative, one-year training program designed to equip psychiatrists with the skills necessary to manage patients experiencing complex medical and psychiatric conditions. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes collaboration and advocacy within multidisciplinary medical teams, fostering essential skills for future practice in varied settings.

Program Overview

The fellowship is situated within Baystate Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center and tertiary care referral center catering to a diverse patient population from both urban and rural areas of Western Massachusetts. The program is devoted to providing a well-rounded education, integrating clinical experiences with academic rigor in a collegial environment that prioritizes diversity and inclusion. The fellows will work with 716 hospital beds and participate in around 2200 inpatient consults annually, gaining exposure to an expansive clinical setting and numerous specialties including Geriatric Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine 1.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The fellowship curriculum is designed to train proficient and compassionate practitioners in psychosomatic medicine. Fellows will engage in varied clinical interactions across settings such as inpatient wards, emergency medicine, and integrated behavioral health. The program fosters lifelong learning through seminars and scholarly projects that enhance fellows' professional capacities and understanding of healthcare disparities. Sample rotations include inpatient consults, integrated behavioral health outpatient consults, and elective opportunities in areas like Electroconvulsive Therapy and Maternal Mental Health 5.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The program places a strong emphasis on DEI as a fundamental principle. It aims to recruit and retain a diverse cohort, actively working against systemic barriers that hinder underrepresented groups. Ongoing training in cultural competence is provided, emphasizing the importance of understanding the diverse backgrounds and experiences that influence mental health care. The program promotes a collaborative, inclusive environment where fellows can thrive 6.

Application Process and Eligibility

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at UMass Chan - Baystate seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourages those traditionally underrepresented in medicine to apply. The application process is designed to be accessible, with options to submit through the ERAS system or directly via email using the ACLP Common Application. Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications, including letters of recommendation, by October 31 for positions starting the following academic year. Interviews typically take place from September through late November, with positions filled through the NRMP Match process 2.

Special prerequisites include the completion of a Psychiatry Residency and readiness to enter a fellowship program with support for visa types, such as J-1 visas for international medical graduates, enhancing the program's inclusivity.

Fellow Quality of Life

Fellowship positions are limited, with typically two positions available annually, allowing for focused mentorship and personalized training. The program emphasizes work-life balance, promoting wellness among fellows through supportive policies, 4 weeks of vacation, meal subsidies, and comprehensive insurance benefits. Moreover, the lower cost of living in Western Massachusetts adds an appealing aspect for prospective candidates 1, 4.

Patient Population

The patient demographic served by Baystate includes a significant population with a high proportion of individuals with disabilities and varying socioeconomic backgrounds. The fellowship's focus on both urban and rural communities ensures that fellows will gain valuable experience treating a diverse patient base, helping them understand the unique health needs across different social spectra 7.