University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Addiction Psychiatry offers a comprehensive and rigorous training environment that prepares residents to excel in the field of psychiatry, particularly focusing on addiction treatment. This program aims to cultivate future leaders in both research and clinical practice, equipping residents with extensive knowledge and skills in various domains, including molecular neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility for the program requires applicants to be graduates of a medical school accredited by either the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Additionally, international medical graduates must possess a valid certificate from the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or hold an unrestricted license to practice in the U.S. A full year of clinical experience in an American hospital is strongly recommended for international applicants.

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates are expected to submit a personal statement, medical school transcript, USMLE scores for Steps 1 and 2, three letters of recommendation, and the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). It is important to note that successful completion of USMLE Step 2 CK is preferred prior to application submission.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers J-1 Visa sponsorship for residents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This visa type is typically used for international medical graduates, allowing them to participate fully in the residency training experience.

Resident Selection

Selection into the program is based on specific criteria, including preparedness, academic credentials, communication abilities, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. Approximately 120 candidates are invited for interviews each year, giving ample opportunity for the selection committee to evaluate potential residents thoroughly.

Training Structure

Call Schedule

The residency entails varying call frequencies based on the training year, starting from approximately 18-20 short calls in the first year to less frequent calls in subsequent years. In the first year, call duties primarily take place at Jackson Memorial Hospital, while second, third, and fourth-year residents rotate through different training sites, including the Miami VA Medical Center and UHealth Tower.

Yearly Rotations

The residency spans four years, with a structured curriculum designed to provide comprehensive training:

• Year 1: Rotations in internal medicine, outpatient medicine, neurology, and basic inpatient psychiatric care are emphasized. Didactic learning is integrated into clinical practice.
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• Year 2: Advanced training includes Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, and Geriatric Psychiatry. Outpatient psychotherapy clinics begin.
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• Year 3: Focus shifts to outpatient experiences, splitting time between Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital and the Miami VA Medical Center.
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• Year 4: Residents engage in advanced treatments, research, and elective opportunities, solidifying their expertise and leadership abilities.
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Clinical Training Sites

The program boasts collaborative experiences across three key hospital locations:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital: A massive teaching hospital where residents gain practical experience.
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• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Offers specialized training focused on veterans’ mental health issues.
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• UHealth Tower: Provides additional opportunities for clinical learning and patient interactions.
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Research and Specialty Tracks

The program encourages residents to engage in research and offers specialty tracks in areas such as psychotherapy. Research efforts are supported with protected time allocated for residents, promoting scholarly output and advancement in the field.

Competitiveness

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program is regarded as highly competitive, welcoming both domestic and international applicants. Prospective residents with a strong academic background, particularly those demonstrating a keen interest in psychiatry through clinical experiences and research, will find themselves competitive applicants.

Alumni Placements

Alumni of the program have secured positions in esteemed fellowships in various subspecialties of psychiatry, such as Addiction Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, reinforcing the program’s reputation for producing well-rounded and capable physicians.