University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) offers an intensive and comprehensive training experience focused on developing expertise in outpatient and inpatient consultation-liaison psychiatry. This ACGME-accredited fellowship is primarily centered at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and Jacobs Medical Center, providing fellows with opportunities to engage in a variety of clinical settings.

The fellowship program aims to cultivate advanced teaching, administrative, and clinical skills while emphasizing interprofessional collaboration. Fellows are expected to work with a diverse patient population, offering care that respects individual differences and fosters inclusivity within the community 1.

Program Overview

This one-year fellowship provides a rigorous educational experience, emphasizing the significance of psychosomatic medicine. Trainees will gain expertise in inpatient consultation-liaison services at significant healthcare sites like the Jacob Medical Center, while outpatient experiences will involve areas such as collaborative care, psycho-oncology, complex pain management, and women's reproductive mental health 2.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a blend of clinical and didactic components tailored to ensure that fellows receive a well-rounded education. Clinical experiences encompass a range of psychiatric services, including inpatient consultation-liaison, outpatient mental health integration, and specialty clinics for pain management and oncology 6. Fellows are also involved in weekly didactic seminars, journal clubs, and critical incident conferences.

Rotation Structure

The rotation blocks are carefully designed to offer diverse clinical exposure, including primary care mental health integration and consultations across various medical and surgical services. Fellows will be involved in assessments, psychotherapeutic interventions, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams 5.

Clinical Opportunities

Fellows will have the chance to conduct rotations at both the VA San Diego Healthcare System and Jacobs Medical Center, engaging with a wide range of patient cases. The VA San Diego Healthcare System supports a variety of services, including mental health, geriatric care, and palliative care, which collectively enhance the educational experience 4.

Compensation and Benefits

UCSD provides a competitive salary structure based on the current collective bargaining agreement for house staff, as well as generous benefits including four weeks of paid vacation, sick leave, and access to various recreational and educational resources 7. Fellows are also supported through wellness initiatives designed to promote mental health and recovery from occupational stressors.

Application Process

The recruitment process involves a virtual interview format to foster equitable access for candidates. Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency and will need to hold a California medical license before starting the fellowship 3. International applicants must be sponsored by the ECFMG and will be eligible for J-1 visas, as the program does not sponsor H-1B visas 3.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The fellowship program at UCSD is deeply committed to equity and diversity. Trainees and faculty are encouraged to reflect the diverse population of San Diego. This inclusive approach is aimed at fostering a welcoming environment conducive to learning and growth for all members of the fellowship community 1.