University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Program in Family Medicine-Psychiatry offers a unique and integrated training opportunity over a five-year period. Based in Iowa City, IA, the program is structured to provide comprehensive training in both family medicine and psychiatry, preparing residents for a dual role in their future medical careers. The residency is designed to develop well-rounded physicians who can deliver holistic and continuous care to patients of all ages while addressing both physical and mental health needs.

The program embodies a patient-centered philosophy that values the interplay between physical health and mental well-being. It aims to produce graduates who are sensitive to the diverse needs of patients in various healthcare settings and who are well-equipped to serve in both rural and urban environments. This dual-training approach is ideal for individuals interested in exploring the breadth of family medicine and the intricacies of psychiatry.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Family Medicine-Psychiatry Residency is structured as a five-year program, offering comprehensive and combined training in both specialties. Residents alternate their rotations between family medicine and psychiatry, dedicating six months to each specialty annually, resulting in a total of 30 months spent in each field throughout the program.1

Within psychiatry rotations, junior residents undertake approximately one five-hour evening call shift per week and one twelve-hour weekend call shift per month. Senior residents in psychiatry transition to a home backup call schedule. In contrast, family medicine residents engage in in-house weekend call duties throughout the residency. Combined family medicine-psychiatry residents manage half the number of shifts annually compared to their peers focused solely on family medicine.1

The curriculum includes a robust psychotherapy training component, progressing through PGY-1 to PGY-3 levels. Residents engage in weekly didactic seminars, supervision, and clinical experiences. The training covers supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, group therapy, family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mentalization-based therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, preparing them comprehensively for future practice.5

Training Sites and Facilities

Training occurs primarily at the University of Iowa, a renowned healthcare institution serving as a primary health care provider for the local community and a regional referral center. With a diverse array of patient cases, ranging from low-complexity to highly complex disease presentations, residents benefit from exposure to a wide spectrum of clinical experiences.1

The program is supported by a team of seven faculty members who are dually trained in either Family Medicine-Psychiatry or Internal Medicine-Psychiatry, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the residency.1

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applications for this program are accepted via ERAS, with a comprehensive application package required. This includes a CV, medical school transcript, USMLE or COMLEX transcript, Dean's letter, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an optional photo.2

For US Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical School Graduates, passing USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Step 1 is mandatory. International Medical School Graduates must pass the USMLE Step 1 Clinical Skills Exam, and prior US psychiatry residency experience or a relevant degree is preferable.4

The program follows an invite-only interview process with invitations extended on a rolling basis. Applications undergo a holistic review that considers personal statements, professional experiences, letters of recommendation, and academic achievements.2

Research Opportunities

While there is no mandatory research requirement for graduation, the program encourages scholarly activity. This includes a quality improvement project typically undertaken in the second year. Residents have the option to delve deeper into research through the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) if they are considering a research-intensive career pathway.1

Unique Program Features

Upon completion of the program, graduates have an opportunity to pursue a diverse range of career paths. These include academia, palliative care, student health centers, private practice, consultation-liaison psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and military medicine.1

Furthermore, the program offers various elective options like geriatrics, international medicine, and other specialty areas such as EKG, nephrology, and endocrinology. Residents are also welcome to partake in away electives to expand their horizons and focus on specific areas of interest.1

Fellowship Opportunities

Graduates of the program are eligible for a variety of fellowship programs. These cover areas such as addiction medicine, geriatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, palliative medicine, sports medicine, global medicine, sleep medicine, LGBTQ health, and research.1

Resident Wellness and Support

The program places a strong emphasis on balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Resident wellness is supported through family-friendly policies, including six weeks of paid maternity leave for women and five days of paternity leave for men. In addition, the program provides access to childcare facilities located near the hospital and on site.1

Comprehensive health insurance extends full coverage for residents, their spouses, and children, ensuring full support for residents' family needs throughout their tenure in the program.1