University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers a comprehensive Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. This one-year, full-time program equips fellows with essential competencies to function independently as forensic psychiatrists.

The training combines supervised clinical experiences with didactic instruction from experienced faculty. The program also emphasizes examinations and proficiency in daily work, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared for independent practice.

Application Information

The fellowship application process does not participate in a matching program. Interested candidates must submit a Jackson Memorial Hospital site-specific application form, which should include a picture, CV, personal statement, summative evaluation letter from a psychiatric residency training director, and other relevant documents such as a USMLE transcript, ECFMG certificate (if applicable), and a copy of the medical diploma or residency certificate.

Notably, the program is competitive, and applicants must have successfully completed all United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps 1, 2, and 3 before beginning the fellowship. A completed ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency is also required.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers support for J1 visas, specifically the Alien Physician Program sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. This provides a pathway for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents to gain training within the fellowship.

Training Locations

The fellowship primarily takes place at two main clinical sites: Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Both locations provide diverse clinical experiences critical for developing advanced forensic psychiatry skills.

The proximity of the fellowship to the Miami-Dade Criminal Court serves as an excellent backdrop for training, allowing fellows to engage with real-world legal processes and forensic contexts.

Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The curriculum includes supervised clinical experiences within a county jail diversion program and a competency restoration psychiatry unit. Additionally, training is informed by experiences in a veterans court and risk management activities related to forensic psychiatry.

Fellows will also participate in programs related to suicide prevention and clinical education at the University of Miami School of Law. In Year 1, fellows can take advantage of teaching opportunities, engaging in mentorship roles to psychiatry residents and medical students.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages fellows to engage in research, publication, and teaching projects. Protected time is allocated for fellows to work on academic projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, thus promoting professional development and scholarly contributions to the field.

Fellowship Highlights

The program boasts a 100% board pass rate, which underscores the quality of training provided to fellows. The close affiliation with the University of Miami School of Law further enhances clinical training, giving fellows access to unique interdisciplinary perspectives on forensic psychiatry.

Alumni Placement

Graduates of the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship often find positions in teaching hospitals and private practices across South Florida, with many holding faculty positions at the University of Miami. The robust network facilitates future opportunities and collaborations for alumni.