University of California (San Francisco) Program

The UCSF Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program, offered by the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, presents an extensive opportunity for medical professionals seeking advanced training in the field. This one-year fellowship accommodates two fellows each year, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry through distinct clinical rotations at UCSF Medical Center and the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC).

Throughout the course of the fellowship, each fellow dedicates six months at UCSF and six months at the SFVAMC, immersing themselves in both inpatient and outpatient consultation-liaison activities. This fellowship is tailored to furnish fellows with the skills necessary for inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, enhancing their competence in various clinical settings while underscoring the importance of diversity and equity in training environments 1.

Training Sites

The UCSF Medical Center is a premier 600-bed tertiary and quaternary referral center that serves as a community hospital. Its integration of medical research with patient care is a significant aspect of the training fellows receive, laying the groundwork for future leaders in psychiatry. The SFVAMC, another core training site, provides acute care and rehabilitation within a 104-bed facility, catering to veterans across Northern California. This diverse setting is essential for fellows to attain a broad spectrum of clinical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to strike a balance between inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, with fellows spending approximately equal time in both environments. In addition to gaining experience in traditional psychiatric consultation, fellows are encouraged to develop a liaison focus in a specialty area of interest. Potential specialty areas include infectious diseases, oncology, addiction, and women's health among others. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration as fellows work alongside psychiatry residents, nurse practitioners, social workers, and various other healthcare professionals 1.

Teaching and Leadership Development

Fellows not only partake in clinical training but also engage in teaching opportunities. They are responsible for teaching medical students, psychiatry residents, and psychiatric nurse practitioner residents, thereby enhancing foundational leadership and administrative skills. The program also provides access to case conferences, seminars, and core didactic sessions addressing various facets of consultation-liaison, addiction, and geriatric psychiatry, fostering both academic and clinical excellence.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship, and fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities that utilize UCSF’s resources. As a leading institution in mental health research, UCSF offers unique access to one of the highest National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding rates in the country. This presents extensive opportunities for involvement in cutting-edge research, contributing significantly to the field 1.

Compensation and Benefits

Fellows are compensated with a salary which is set annually by UCSF. As of July 1, 2024, the fellow salary is projected to be $104,453 per annum. The benefits and policies can be reviewed through the UCSF Graduate Medical Education resources.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in general psychiatry. A California medical license is also required at the time of the fellowship commencement. Applications are accepted through both the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (ACLP) Common Application, with required documents including a curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation 1.

Visa Support and International Candidates

The program welcomes candidates eligible for both J1 and H1B visas, expanding opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGs) and ensuring a diverse trainee body. This aspect of the program underscores its commitment to inclusivity and holistic learning environments for fellows from varied backgrounds.

Overall Competitiveness and Applicant Considerations

The UCSF Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is noted for its competitive nature, attracting a wide array of applicants both domestically and internationally. Applicants from various backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, are encouraged to apply, as the program holds a strong commitment to diversity and equity in its fellowship opportunities.