University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Iowa offers specialized training for psychiatrists dealing with patients who present with comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions. This emerging subspecialty addresses the increasing health care needs of patients with behavioral health issues, which significantly impact the overall health care landscape. With rising evidence indicating that patients with mental health disorders incur higher health care costs, the role of consultation-liaison psychiatrists is more critical than ever in multidisciplinary medical settings.

The primary training site for the fellowship is the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, a large and comprehensive facility with an 811-bed capacity. Each year, the center provides care for approximately 37,000 inpatients and manages 58,000 emergency department visits. The program is uniquely situated within a broader institutional network that includes over 200 outpatient clinics, making it a center for cutting-edge medical and psychiatric care.

Fellowship Structure and Training Opportunities

The fellowship structure integrates diverse clinical experiences across various psychiatric services. The available training experiences encompass:

• Inpatient consultation-liaison psychiatry services
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
• Addiction services, including partial hospitalization and outpatient therapies
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Ketamine services designed for difficult-to-treat cases
• Specialized services focusing on women’s wellness psychiatry
• Psych-oncology services and neuropsychology

The fellowship also encourages research collaboration with institutions such as the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence which further enhances the academic appeal of the fellowship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Iowa’s training environment is distinguished by its extensive resources, including a medical-psychiatry unit, considered one of the few in the United States. This unique feature allows for comprehensive care of patients with concurrent medical and psychiatric issues, enhancing fellowship training outcomes. The well-rounded approach includes a range of specialties available under one roof, making it a valuable training ground for future consultation-liaison psychiatrists.

The fellowship aims to equip trainees with the skills required for academic or community-based practice. The integration of didactic teaching from experts across multiple disciplines including psychiatry and internal medicine fosters a comprehensive educational experience. Alongside clinical training, fellows receive robust supervision and mentorship, ensuring a well-rounded professional development experience.

Application Details

The application process for the fellowship is designed to be inclusive, accepting candidates at the PGY-5 level who have completed an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency. Both J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships are available, ensuring international applicants can pursue their fellowship without visa-related barriers.

A complete application consists of:

• ACLP Common Application including a photo
• Curriculum Vitae
• A letter from the residency training director
• Two additional recommendation letters
• A personal statement explaining interest in C-L psychiatry and the fellowship program, limited to one page

Applications can be submitted via ERAS or through direct email using the ACLP common application, and all applications are reviewed equitably. The selection process for candidates is competitive, and it is noted that the fellowship values a diverse applicant pool, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds.

Living and Working in Iowa City

Iowa City provides a vibrant geographic setting for fellowship trainees, known for its rich cultural landscape and diverse community. The program emphasizes the overall quality of life for fellows, supporting both personal and professional growth within a collaborative and supportive educational environment.

Stipend and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive stipends with a yearly remuneration of $73,800 for PGY-5 and $76,500 for PGY-6, with annual cost-of-living adjustments factored in. Additionally, there are opportunities for elective rotations in various subspecialties of psychiatry, allowing for greater personalization within training depending on fellows' career aspirations.