Residency Advisor
Worcester, MA

Specialty:

Psychiatry/Neurology

ACGME Code:

7552444010

NRMP Program Code:

3050755C1
YOG 5

The combined program in Psychiatry and Neurology at UMass Chan Medical School is an innovative six-year residency designed to provide comprehensive training in both disciplines, leading to board eligibility in Neurology and Psychiatry. The program's structure allows residents to gain extensive clinical experience and accommodate one resident per year.

The first year (PGY-1) is primarily focused on internal medicine, fulfilling the necessary requirements for Neurology residency. This year includes eight blocks of internal medicine covering essential areas such as emergency medicine and intensive care, alongside two blocks each of neurology and psychiatry. The second and third years (PGY-II and PGY-III) concentrate on psychiatry, while the residents spend their fourth and fifth years (PGY-IV and PGY-V) primarily in neurology. The final year (PGY-VI) combines the disciplines of psychiatry and neurology with a focus that mirrors that of a neuropsychiatry fellow 1.

Residents in this combined program have unique opportunities to engage in patient care at the neuropsychiatry clinic, guided by experienced faculty who are dual-boarded in both neurology and psychiatry. The combined nature of the program fosters collaboration and shared administration between the two departments, allowing a seamless integration of the training experience 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure that residents become proficient neurologists and psychiatrists. The educational experience includes core lectures on neuroanatomy by recognized educators, neuropathology sessions, and the neurohumanities curriculum that emphasizes the intersection of clinical practice and the arts. There is also a focus on diversity issues and global health topics integrated into the learning process, stimulating a broader perspective on healthcare 7. The innovative x+y block scheduling combines inpatient and outpatient rotations, enabling residents to concentrate fully on their training without conflicting responsibilities 12.

Rotations

The program offers a diverse array of clinical exposures through rotations at UMass Memorial Medical Center, which is recognized as a Level 1 trauma center and a certified comprehensive stroke center. This environment allows residents to encounter a wide spectrum of neurological disorders and treatment opportunities 11. The rotations include mandatory components in areas such as neurocritical care, stroke management, epilepsy monitoring, and various subspecialty clinics covering movement disorders and neuroimmunology. The availability of elective blocks during residency ensures that trainees can tailor their experiences to align with their interests 11.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of training at UMass Chan. The program emphasizes scholarly activity through a dedicated research track designed for residents interested in pursuing clinical or translational research. This track provides protected research time, fostering mentorship and collaboration on projects that can lead to significant scholarly contributions 10. Research opportunities are further enhanced by the department's notable achievements in NIH funding and a history of groundbreaking research in various neurological diseases 13.

Global Health and Social Justice

The program offers a Global Health, Social Justice and Advocacy track which reinforces the commitment to addressing health disparities and understanding the global burden of neurological disorders. This initiative encourages residents to engage with international clinical experiences, thereby enriching their understanding of social determinants of health as they pertain to neurology 8. Residents design and implement quality improvement projects in resource-limited settings, working collaboratively with faculty members involved in global health initiatives.

Wellness and Support

UMass Chan places a strong emphasis on resident wellness. The program adopts a resident-driven approach, allowing trainees to participate actively in program improvements. This includes wellness initiatives and peer support systems to ensure residents maintain a healthy work-life balance during their demanding training period 9.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating international medical graduates (IMGs) and other international applicants. The combined residency is competitive, attracting a diverse range of candidates including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates who are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process and Requirements

Application to the combined program requires interviews from both neurology and psychiatry departments, which are typically conducted over two days. Prospective applicants should consider the substantial commitment involved in a six-year program and the associated stresses. Specific eligibility and application requirements may include the year of graduation and limits on failed exams, which prospective applicants should verify directly with the program as these can affect candidacy.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 (6 years)
Accreditation Status
Not ACGME Accredited since January 1970

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

55 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

12 hours

First Year Salary:

$70,940

First Year Paid Vacation:

20 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

15 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
-
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
8.2X
Residents Career Path
-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
-
Visa Sponsorship:
-
YOG Cutoff:
5

Match History

Track: 3050755C1

2024

1 of 1

2023

0 of 1

2020

1 of 1
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

Worcester, MA

Population
862,111
Income
$94,099
Education
41.4%
Employment
63.5%
Health
2.7%
Age
40
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like

Crime Rate and Safety

Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.

Fun Activities

Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.

Climate

Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.

Races and Population

Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.

Education

Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.

Proximity to Bigger Cities

Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.

Pros and Cons

One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.

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