University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program at UC San Diego's Medical Center provides an opportunity for specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in older adults. The program operates within the vibrant and diverse community of San Diego, offering an enriching environment for learning.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum focuses on both clinical and didactic components essential for training competent geriatric psychiatrists. Fellows receive exposure to various patient populations, while integrating psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies tailored for older adults.

Training Structure

Fellows engage in a variety of rotations that include inpatient geriatric psychiatry units, outpatient clinics, and consultation-liaison services. Throughout the year, there are opportunities for fellows to conduct assessments, participate in care planning, and lead treatment interventions. This hands-on training is complemented by a series of educational seminars, case presentations, and journal clubs designed to enhance critical thinking and application of best practices in geriatric psychiatry.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The program includes diverse clinical rotations that provide fellows with essential experience in different settings. These typically encompass:

• Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Units: Providing acute psychiatric care for older adults.
• Outpatient Clinics: Focusing on long-term management and follow-up of geriatric patients.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Working closely with other medical specialists to address psychiatric issues in medically ill older patients.

The wide-ranging clinical experiences ensure that fellows become adept in managing complex cases and understanding the multifaceted relationship between aging and mental health.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research and offers fellows opportunities to engage in scholarly activities. This may include:

• Participating in ongoing studies related to geriatric mental health.
• Initiating independent research projects focused on improving treatment methodologies.
• Collaboration with faculty involved in innovative clinical research pertaining to dementia, depression, and other psychiatric disorders prevalent among seniors.

Fellows are encouraged to publish their findings and present at relevant conferences, enhancing their academic profiles and contributing to the field of geriatric psychiatry.

Unique Aspects of the Program

UC San Diego stands out for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, which is integral in training physicians who can effectively serve a wide array of patient populations. The program has a comprehensive wellness curriculum that emphasizes resident well-being and personal development through:

• Regular wellness seminars and psychotherapeutic support services.
• A resident-run wellness committee that addresses the emotional and physical needs of fellows.
• Opportunities for attending retreats to enhance work-life balance.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) applying for the fellowship. Specifically, they can sponsor J-1 visas for fellows participating in the program. This allows for a diverse cohort of fellows from various backgrounds to join and enrich the learning experience.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship is known to be competitive, attracting both U.S. and international applicants. Certain application requirements include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited general psychiatry residency.
• A strong focus on letters of recommendation that highlight clinical performance and potential.
• Participation in fellowships may also include an evaluation of research experience.

Application Requirements

Potential applicants are typically required to have graduated from medical school within a stipulated timeframe and to show a commitment to geriatric psychiatry through relevant experiences, whether in residency or through prior internships.

The application process includes submitting a detailed application via ERAS, followed by interviews with program faculty and current fellows, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the program's culture and opportunities.