In the UAB Huntsville Psychiatry Residency Program, the mission is to cultivate compassionate, competent, and culturally responsive psychiatrists. Residents receive comprehensive training in psychiatry and its subspecialties, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to provide high-quality mental health care. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and well-being for both residents and faculty through various programmatic and institutional initiatives. In collaboration with Huntsville Hospital, the Psychiatry Program is dedicated to excellence in medical education and patient care, aiming to empower future leaders within psychiatry and the Huntsville community.
The four-year Psychiatry Residency Program is accredited by the ACGME and accepts up to six residents annually. The program is situated at the UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus and provides residents with access to diverse clinical experiences, rigorous education, opportunities for research, and dedicated mentorship to support their professional development 1.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Psychiatry Residency is structured into a comprehensive training program across four years:
PGY-1 Residents
In the first year, residents spend time in various specialties to build foundational skills:
- 8 weeks Family Medicine
- 8 weeks Internal Medicine
- 8 weeks Inpatient Psychiatry
- 8 weeks Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Psychiatry ER
- 8 weeks Neurology
- 4 weeks Elective (Scholarly Activity, TMS, ECT)
PGY-2 Residents
The second-year curriculum includes:
- 8 weeks Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Outpatient)
- 8 weeks Adult Psychiatry (Outpatient)
- 8 weeks Inpatient Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Geriatric Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Addiction Psychiatry/Substance Use Disorders
- 8 weeks Elective (Scholarly Activity, NCAC Child Advocacy Center, FQHC Thrive)
- 4 weeks Scholarly Activity
PGY-3 Residents
During the third year, residents focus on:
- 48 weeks Adult Psychiatry (Outpatient)
PGY-4 Residents
In the final year, the curriculum includes:
- 8 weeks Adult Psychiatry (Outpatient)
- 8 weeks Inpatient Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
- 8 weeks Community Psychiatry
- 4 weeks Forensic Psychiatry
- 8 weeks Scholarly Activity
- 8 weeks Elective (Scholarly Activity, Addiction Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Outpatient Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
This structured and diverse curriculum ensures a comprehensive training experience essential for developing competent psychiatrists 2.
Salary and Benefits
The residency program offers competitive salaries and a range of benefits designed to support residents' personal and professional growth:
- Vacation: 15 working days per year
- Sick Leave: 15 working days per year
- Parental Leave: Up to 4 paid weeks, with an option for 8 to 12 additional weeks unpaid (may require residency extension)
- Continued Medical Education: 5 working days available for upper level residents to attend approved CME events
- Employment Interviews: Up to 5 weekdays allotted for interview/site visits in PGY2 or 3
- Financial support is available for residents presenting at scientific meetings
Insurance plans and additional benefits include:
- On-site medical library access
- Remote access to EMR
- Provision of scrubs and custom white coats
- Meal stipend provided by the hospital
- Mental health resources access
- Employee discounts and free parking on campus
This comprehensive support system ensures residents can focus on their training while maintaining a healthy work-life balance 3.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The UAB Huntsville Psychiatry Residency Program is considered competitive within the field, welcoming both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), recognizing the diverse perspective they bring to the training environment. Special application requirements include:
- Only electronic applications are accepted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
- The program does not accept mail or fax applications
- Be mindful of eligibility criteria regarding year of graduation and maximum failed STEP exams, which may be specified in detailed program materials
Visa Support
The program provides visa sponsorship opportunities for qualified candidates. Common visa types sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas. This aspect of the program is particularly beneficial for international medical graduates seeking residency opportunities in the United States.
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Director
Janaki Nimmagadda, MDProgram Director Appointed Since August 2024 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
60 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
24 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$60,508First Year Paid Vacation:
15 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
15 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
0.3XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
235Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1YOG Cutoff:
7Location
Huntsville, AL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, AL, known as the "Rocket City," offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Huntsville has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities. The city is considered safe for residents.
- Fun Activities: Huntsville is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Botanical Garden, and numerous parks, offering a variety of outdoor and cultural activities.
- Climate: The climate in Huntsville is typically mild, with hot summers and cool winters.
- Races and Population: The population of Huntsville is diverse, with residents from various races and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Huntsville is known for its strong educational institutions, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Huntsville is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Nearby Cities: Birmingham, AL, is about 1.5 hours away by car, offering a larger urban center with more amenities. Nashville, TN, is approximately 2 hours away by car, providing access to a vibrant music and cultural scene.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, strong educational institutions.
- Cons: Limited public transportation options, suburban sprawl in some areas.