University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Health Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Training Program is a 12-month accredited fellowship that aims to train physicians in providing high-caliber, objective forensic psychiatric assessments and consultations applicable within both civil and criminal justice systems. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and extensive exposure to various forensic psychiatry experiences, guided by a mission to enhance clinical training.

The primary educational training site for the fellowship is the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. This prestigious program is fully accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Graduates of the fellowship will possess the necessary skills to excel in diverse forensic settings and effectively collaborate with legal professionals, including attorneys and courts 1.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip fellows for successful completion of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology's board examination for Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry. The program includes extensive didactic seminars that cover crucial domains of forensic psychiatry. These seminars encompass a range of topics, including:

• Forensic psychiatry didactic topic seminar
• Civil and criminal case seminars focusing on court testimony and forensic report writing skills
• A seminar on key landmark mental health law cases
• A research seminar with comprehensive training on psychological testing instruments

Additionally, fellows are granted funding to participate in the annual American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law's Forensic Psychiatry Review Course and its yearly meeting, further enhancing their educational experience 1.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows engage in clinical experiences at various sites which provide diverse exposure to forensic psychiatry practice. Major training locations include:

Sacramento County Main Jail

The Sacramento County Main Jail is situated in downtown Sacramento, accommodating around 2,400 inmates and featuring an 18-bed inpatient psychiatric unit. Approximately 20% of inmates present with a prior psychiatric history, providing fellows with the opportunity to conduct psychiatric evaluations in an outpatient clinic setting. During this training, residents will assess inmates across different housing units and collaborate with general medical practitioners regarding the intersections of substance withdrawal and suicidality 2.

Napa State Hospital

Napa State Hospital, located in Napa Valley, serves approximately 1,100 forensic psychiatric patients with specialized units tailored to various needs. The fellowship includes a dedicated day per week at this site, where fellows provide forensic consultations on issues such as competency and the pharmacological management of aggression. Each case is reviewed with a faculty member, followed by a conference addressing the treatment team's insights. Clinical learning encompasses participation in mock trials in simulated court environments, fostering skills related to patient competency evaluations and forensic report writing 2.

Research Opportunities

The program actively encourages fellows to undertake research projects or publications during their tenure. By engaging in meaningful research, fellows have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discourse within the field of forensic psychiatry. Support is provided through guidance and mentorship from experienced faculty who are well-versed in the complexities of forensic research methodologies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is categorized as competitive, welcoming applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including MDs, DOs, and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The fellowship offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, facilitating the participation of qualified international fellows 1.

Special Application Requirements

Potential applicants should be aware of specific criteria, including year of graduation and limitations on prior attempts for STEP exams. These parameters ensure that applicants possess the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary for success within the training program.