University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers a comprehensive training program designed to equip fellows with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the provision of psychiatric care in complex medical settings. This fellowship primarily focuses on the integration of psychiatric services in critical care environments, inpatient medical, surgical wards, and ambulatory care settings, all aimed at addressing patients with coexisting medical and psychiatric conditions.

The program emphasizes a rich didactic and clinical training experience, providing supervised exposure in diverse settings such as Jackson Memorial Hospital, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UHealth Tower. These locations ensure fellows acquire a breadth of experience with various patient populations, utilizing evidence-based and patient-centered approaches to care 1.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Fellows in this program engage in a robust educational framework, which includes weekly seminars, clinical rounds, and various didactic sessions including case discussions, board preparation reviews, and journal clubs. Each fellow is encouraged to take on teaching roles, mentoring psychiatry residents and medical students 1.

The fellowship lasts for one year and is structured to involve significant clinical responsibilities combined with academic mentorship. Areas of subspecialty expertise available for training include: transplant psychiatry, psych-oncology, perinatal and postpartum psychiatry, intensive care unit psychiatry, general hospital consultation, and multidisciplinary care for patients with HIV 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship experience, with fellows expected to develop and complete a research project that they may present at a national meeting or submit for publication, benefitting from the guidance of the program's faculty members 1.

Program Requirements

To apply for this fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an ACGME accredited general psychiatry residency in the United States or a Canadian equivalent. It is also mandatory to have passed Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination prior to starting the fellowship, as candidates must be eligible for a Florida medical license 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas exclusively, which cater to international medical graduates who require visa assistance. This visa facilitates the participation of non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the fellowship 1.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The fellowship is considered to be competitive, with positions filled through the National Resident Matching Program. Applicants are expected to submit a range of documentation, including an ACLP Common Application Form, a CV, personal statement, letters of reference, a USMLE transcript showing completion of Step 3, and medical diploma along with residency certification when available. The application process typically opens from July 17 to December 1, and interviews are conducted between August 1 and December 1 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship stands out due to its commitment to developing medical leaders in the field. The majority of the clinical experience takes place at the largest Level I adult and pediatric trauma center in Miami-Dade County, Jackson Memorial Hospital. This setting provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse and complex patient population requiring integrated psychiatric care 1.

Fellows also have access to resources such as updated online journals and the opportunity to attend annual psychiatry conferences, notably the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry meeting, further enriching their educational and professional development 1.