University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan's Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program renowned for its comprehensive training in the increasingly essential subspecialty of consultation-liaison (CL) psychiatry. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills for effective clinical practice while also fostering an environment conducive to academic research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Fellowship Overview

The program accepts one to two fellows per year, offering a flexible schedule that reflects individual interests and career aspirations. Training is predominantly divided between Michigan Medicine's clinical facilities and the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, imbuing fellows with both outpatient and inpatient experiences under the guidance of board-certified faculty in consultation-liaison psychiatry. The academic rigor of the program ensures that board certified general psychiatrists who complete this fellowship are eligible for the subspecialty examination in consultation-liaison psychiatry. The primary objective is to provide a rich educational experience that extends beyond basic psychiatric training, allowing fellows to engage in specialized fields such as transplant psychiatry, collaborative care, and reproductive psychiatry among others 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to be adaptable to the clinical and professional interests of each fellow. While individualized, the program emphasizes essential experiences, including several months in general inpatient CL psychiatry and rotations that incorporate a diverse range of psychiatric services. Specifically, fellows participate in essential rotations including, but not limited to:

• Adult Inpatient Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service: Interactions with various medical and surgical units, including multiple intensive care settings, and consultations on severe and complex cases.
• Transplant Psychiatry: Involves both inpatient consultations and outpatient follow-ups, focusing on pre- and post-transplant evaluations.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Neuromodulation: Opportunities for professional practice in ECT with provisions for obtaining certification.
• Reproductive Psychiatry: Direct involvement with maternal health through consultative roles during the pre- and post-delivery phases.
• Collaborative Care Clinics: Managing psychiatric aspects in primary care settings to ensure holistic treatment approaches.

The curriculum also includes didactic components such as a weekly lecture series on advanced psychiatric subjects and opportunities for participating in Quality Improvement (QI) projects aimed at enhancing overall patient safety and treatment efficacy 2.

Benefits

Fellows are represented by the House Officers Association (HOA), which negotiates comprehensive benefits and compensation packages. These packages encompass health and dental insurance, vacation, paid holidays, competitive salaries, and an 8% additional “lump sum” payment intended for personal savings. This structure ensures financial independence while pursuing fellowship commitments 3.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program prioritizes the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its mission. Efforts are made to foster an academic environment that promotes diversity in race, gender identity, cultural background, and life experience. This ethos is essential not only for staff and fellows but also extends towards the diverse patient population being served 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, with an emphasis on candidates who have a strong foundation in psychiatry from accredited institutions. Applicants must possess a valid ECFMG certificate if they are international medical graduates. Furthermore, the program sponsors J-1 or similar visa types for non-U.S. citizens 5. Specific application prerequisites include:

• Graduation from an accredited medical program (LCME or AOA).
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited general psychiatry residency.
• Passing scores in USMLE (Steps 1-3) or COMLEX examinations.
• Three letters of reference, including one from the current program director.

The selection process emphasizes preparedness, academic credentials, and communication skills, with interviews typically scheduled virtually during the months of August through November 6.

Research Opportunities

Finally, the program encourages fellows to engage in various research activities, providing access to institutional research opportunities and support for projects that enhance the understanding of psychiatric practices and contribute to innovations in psychiatric care 7.