University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is designed to equip psychiatrists with the necessary skills to provide expert consultation-liaison psychiatry services. This one-year, ACGME-accredited, PGY-5 fellowship presents a unique opportunity for fellows to engage with culturally diverse medical and surgical patients across various clinical settings. The fellowship emphasizes both practical skills and academic development, aiming to produce competent psychiatrists capable of addressing complex clinical challenges.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum integrates clinical care, administration, research, writing, and teaching components. Fellows will benefit from direct supervision by a team of three consultation-liaison psychiatry attending psychiatrists and will participate in collaborative projects with various specialists within outpatient and inpatient medical and surgical consulting services. This multi-disciplinary approach enhances the learning experience and provides comprehensive exposure to a wide range of psychiatric practices, including palliative care and geriatrics 1.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

During the fellowship, trainees will experience an extensive array of clinical rotations, focusing on providing high-quality psychiatric assessments and recommendations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program aims to expose fellows to diverse patient populations, particularly those who are underserved or come from varied socio-economic backgrounds 1. The fellows will also engage in teaching roles for medical students and residents, enhancing their educational experience while contributing to the academic mission of UC Davis.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing projects within various domains, such as quality improvement and depression care management. Past fellows have had the opportunity to publish scholarly articles in the field of consultation-liaison psychiatry, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge through rigorous inquiry 1.

Unique Program Features

The program emphasizes cultural competence and the application of psychiatric principles in multi-disciplinary teams. Fellowship training prioritizes the ability to adapt to the needs of diverse patient populations by addressing both medical and psychiatric concerns concurrently. The structure of the program also allows flexibility for fellows to pursue individual interests in their career development 1.

Application Process

Prospective fellows have two options for submitting applications: they can apply either through the ERAS or by email using the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (ACLP) common application. Regardless of the application method, all submissions will be reviewed equitably 1. Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, educational transcripts, and evidence of completed psychiatric training. It is important for applicants to have completed an ACGME-accredited general adult residency in psychiatry and maintain compliance with specific medical licensing requirements in California 1.

Visa Support

The UC Davis Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is typically able to sponsor J-1 visas for qualified applicants. However, those interested in H-1B visas should directly consult with the program regarding its policies and limitations, as visa sponsorship can vary based on individual circumstances 1.

Competitive Environment

The fellowship is noted for being highly competitive, attracting a wide range of applicants including both DO and IMG candidates. Therefore, it is beneficial for potential applicants to be aware of the selective nature of the admissions process and to submit comprehensive application materials that emphasize their unique qualifications and experiences 1.

Benefits

Fellows in the program enjoy a competitive salary, 20 days of vacation, four days of educational leave, and full reimbursement for travel expenses incurred during attendance at the annual Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine conference. This comprehensive benefits package underscores the program's commitment to supporting fellows' professional and personal development 1.