University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Health Psychiatry Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience for residents dedicated to becoming skilled psychiatrists. Recognized for its commitment to community service and equity, the program stands out as a leader in preparing residents to address the mental health needs of diverse and underserved populations.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education through a combination of rigorous clinical training, didactic sessions, and opportunities for professional exploration. Each year, residents engage in core rotations while also pursuing individual interests, particularly starting from the PGY-2 year. Some of the key areas of focus include child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, integrated behavioral health, forensic psychiatry, and cultural psychiatry. This diversity in training promotes a collaborative professional environment, allowing residents to work alongside colleagues from various medical specialties, thereby enhancing their educational experience 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic curriculum encompasses various threads including psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic tools, and cultural psychiatry, with specific milestones tailored to the progression of training. Residents encounter different phases of psychopharmacology throughout their four years, progressing from basic principles to advanced topics in outpatient settings. The curriculum also emphasizes evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), broadening the residents' therapeutic skill set across diverse evidence-based approaches 3.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations at UC Davis are structured to ensure residents receive a breadth of exposure across disciplines. The program operates through multiple core clinical training sites that facilitate comprehensive training experiences tailored to the unique needs of patients, particularly those from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. The integration of community mental health services with academic training helps residents to develop a holistic understanding of patient care 2.

Research Opportunities

For residents interested in research, the program offers a dedicated research track designed to nurture future investigators. Residents can commit to this track as early as the PGY-1 year, providing them with structured mentorship and resources necessary to undertake significant research projects. During the PGY-3 year, residents focus entirely on research, allowing for deep immersion in clinical research practices aligned with the objectives of contemporary psychiatry. The program also emphasizes the importance of translating research findings into clinical practice, ensuring a real-world impact on patient care 5.

Training Sites and Community Engagement

Located in Sacramento, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States, the UC Davis program emphasizes community engagement and a commitment to serving a broad patient base, including immigrants, refugees, and those experiencing incarceration. This commitment to the community enriches the residency experience by allowing residents to engage with a variety of clinical cases and work toward reducing health disparities in mental health care 1.

Application Process and Eligibility

Applications for the UC Davis Psychiatry Residency Program are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a focus on comprehensive evaluation through a holistic review process. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early, ideally by the designated opening day. The program prefers candidates to have completed acting/sub-internships in internal medicine, neurology, or pediatrics prior to application. Additionally, strong letters of recommendation, especially from psychiatrists or primary care specialists, are crucial in the selection process 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, capable of sponsoring J-1 visas for residency candidates. This support facilitates the inclusion of diverse talents and perspectives within the residency cohort, enriching the learning environment while promoting cross-cultural understanding in the field of psychiatry.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The UC Davis Psychiatry Residency Program maintains a level of competitiveness, welcoming applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including those from Osteopathic (DO) and international medical graduate (IMG) backgrounds. The program strongly advocates for inclusivity and diversity, ensuring an equitable selection process aimed at cultivating an enriching training environment.