University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program
Location:
Albuquerque, NMSpecialty:
Child and adolescent psychiatryACGME Code:
4053421144The University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Track designed for medical graduates who wish to directly pursue a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry while simultaneously engaging in a general psychiatry residency. This track uniquely integrates rigorous clinical training with a focus on pediatric populations, allowing residents to acquire essential skills and knowledge in managing mental health issues prevalent among children and adolescents.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Track is thoughtfully structured to provide residents with comprehensive experience throughout their residency. During the intern year, residents gain more exposure to pediatric settings through rotations in medical and neurological services, inpatient psychiatry, and consult-liaison psychiatry. This emphasis on pediatric care ensures that residents are well-prepared for subsequent fellowship training focused on child and adolescent psychiatry 1.
Didactic and Clinical Training
Residents in this track participate in a didactic curriculum that evolves over the four years of residency. Each year’s curriculum is tailored to the advancing level of clinical skills. The training includes essential components such as psychopharmacology, ethical considerations in psychiatry, psychotherapy approaches, and specific topics relevant to child and adolescent psychiatric care.
As a PGY-1, residents focus on developing foundational skills through supervised clinical experiences and learning core areas relevant to their future practice 2. The program offers a variety of electives and specialized training opportunities throughout the residency, allowing residents to explore specific areas of interest that align with their career goals.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, providing opportunities to collaborate with faculty on projects spanning various topics such as addiction, behavioral health, and psychodynamics. There is a dedicated research track that allows interested residents to gain further skills in study design and grant writing 3.
Training Sites
The residency utilizes a variety of training sites to expose residents to diverse patient populations. These locations include the University Psychiatric Center, the Children’s Psychiatric Center, and the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center. These facilities serve a clinically and culturally diverse patient population, offering residents a rich environment for learning and application of clinical skills in community settings 4.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Track promotes mentorship and connection opportunities within the Child Division, enhancing the learning experience. The program also focuses on the well-being of its residents, including a wellness committee that gathers feedback for continuous improvement and support 5.
Visa Support and Sponsorship
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking training opportunities. This program actively welcomes applicants needing visa support and ensures a streamlined application process for candidates in this category 6.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
This program is considered highly competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). It expects applicants to meet specific criteria, including passing scores on the USMLE Step I and II exams and possessing a minimum of one year of U.S. clinical experience. Preference is given to those with a strong track record of academic and clinical performance 7.
Conclusion
Overall, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Track provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to training in child and adolescent psychiatry, with a robust support network for its residents and numerous opportunities for professional growth and specialization.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,272First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Albuquerque, NM
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM is a city rich in culture and history. Here is a breakdown of what it's like living in Albuquerque:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Albuquerque has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety.
- Fun Activities: Albuquerque offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.
- Climate: Albuquerque experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
- Races and Population: Albuquerque has a diverse population with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, White, and other ethnicities.
- Education: Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Albuquerque is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Albuquerque is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ, and a 6-hour drive from Denver, CO. These cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
Pros: Rich culture, diverse population, lower cost of living.
Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, temperature fluctuations.
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