University of Hawaii Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The University of Hawai‘i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, offers a comprehensive psychiatry residency program that uniquely integrates training in Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry, and Child-Adolescent Psychiatry. This four-year residency, accredited by the ACGME, emphasizes a balanced theoretical orientation with a strong focus on the cultural aspects of human behavior and healthcare disparities. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, the program leverages the island’s diverse populations to deliver a rich educational experience aimed at producing knowledgeable and culturally competent psychiatrists1.

The program begins with a broad foundation in the first year, including disciplines such as psychiatry, neurology, and internal medicine. As residents progress, the curriculum focuses more intensively on psychiatric training. The program prides itself on catering to the multiethnic population of Hawai‘i, ensuring residents are well-equipped to understand and address the specific needs of diverse patient demographics1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The University of Hawai‘i’s program offers a well-structured curriculum designed to equip residents with a broad spectrum of psychiatric skills. The program is divided into distinct phases of training:

• First Year: This year is foundational, covering Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (both inpatient and outpatient), Neurology, Adult Inpatient Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Forensic/Correctional Psychiatry, and Night Float. This diverse training provides residents with a strong interdisciplinary foundation1.

• Second Year: Focuses on expanding psychiatric expertise with rotations in Addiction Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Consult-Liaison Psychiatry, Emergency Department Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry1.

• Third Year: Dedicated to Outpatient Psychiatry, allowing residents to deepen their understanding and skills in a setting that emphasizes longitudinal patient care1.

• Fourth Year: Offers flexibility and specialization through elective rotations, with preparatory focus for independent practice and board examinations. Required rotations in the Emergency Department, Consult-Liaison, or Forensics ensure comprehensive exposure to critical areas1.

Elective opportunities include specialties such as Addiction Psychiatry, Administrative Psychiatry, and Community Psychiatry, among others, giving residents the chance to tailor their training to their career goals1.

Training Sites and Facilities

Training for the program takes place in various renowned facilities around Honolulu, enriching the residents’ clinical experiences. Key sites include:

• The Queen’s Medical Center: A leading healthcare facility providing a broad spectrum of psychiatric services1.

• Kapiolani Medical Center: Known for its expertise in pediatrics, it serves as a hub for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry training1.

• O’ahu Community Correctional Center: Offers exposure to Forensic and Correctional Psychiatry, an integral component of the program’s diverse training landscape1.

These sites provide residents with diverse and comprehensive exposure to psychiatric practice in both hospital and community settings1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the University of Hawai‘i Psychiatric Residency Program are required to apply via ERAS, submitting a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official medical school transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. The program recruits individuals who show promise in clinical care and a passion for addressing health disparities2.

Visa Support

The program extends support to international applicants by accepting those with a J-1 visa or equivalent, ensuring parity in opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds2.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research, particularly in psychosocial and neurobiological domains, cultural psychiatry, and health disparities. Residents are encouraged to engage in research that complements their clinical training, fostering a holistic, biopsychosociocultural approach to psychiatry1.

Unique Program Features

A standout feature of the program is its commitment to cultural psychiatry, given Hawai‘i’s unique multiethnic population. The training provided is comprehensive, catering to various societal needs and fostering excellence in clinical practice through a diverse range of rotation structures1.

Fellowship Opportunities

Upon completion of general psychiatric training, residents may pursue the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Kapi‘olani Medical Center. This two-year fellowship began in 1970 and continues to offer advanced specialization through clinical rotations and didactic seminars. Application to this fellowship is conducted through the NRMP2.

Resident Wellness and Support

Resident wellness is a priority at the University of Hawai‘i. The program provides protected learning time, regular feedback sessions, and structured call schedules organized under a night float system without 24-hour shifts. This reinforces the program’s commitment to balancing educational demands with personal well-being, supported by a call room for in-house duties1.