University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year training program specifically designed to equip fellows with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills essential for functioning effectively within a complex integrated medical-surgical-psychiatric healthcare system. This program is particularly noteworthy for its focus on serving a diverse population, which encompasses a wide spectrum of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.1

This ACGME-accredited fellowship is the only program of its kind available to qualified psychiatric residents in New Mexico, granting fellows the unique opportunity to train at two premier medical teaching facilities: the UNM Health System and the Veterans Affairs New Mexico Healthcare System. The extensive clinical exposure includes integral roles within Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Burn and Trauma, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hematology-Oncology, and Palliative Care teams. Notably, fellows are involved in the internationally recognized Project ECHO teleconsultation program, addressing significant health issues such as hepatitis C, HIV, and endocrine-related conditions.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured around a series of essential rotations, including:

Inpatient Psychiatric Consultation Service Rotation

During this rotation, fellows act as primary psychiatric consultants, engaging in diagnostic interviews and examinations, follow-ups, and efficient communication with medical and surgical teams. The trajectory of responsibility gradually increases, allowing fellows to lead the interdisciplinary consultation-liaison service in alignment with their growing expertise.1

Primary Care Integration Rotation

Fellows participate in one to two half days per week as part of an interdisciplinary primary care team, addressing referrals for psychiatric evaluations while integrating closely with other healthcare professionals. This rotation emphasizes conducting warm handoff assessments and managing behavioral health care registries.1

Outpatient Specialty Clinic Rotation

Dedicated half-day sessions each week facilitate fellows embedding themselves as consultants within various subspecialty medical clinics, such as gender-affirming care and HIV. This experience includes specialized diagnostic assessments and directing precise psychiatric treatment plans, enhancing collaboration with specialty care providers.1

Project ECHO Teleconsultation Rotation

This unique rotation enables fellows to serve as psychiatric content experts during teleECHO clinics, contributing vital psychiatric input on complex cases. Furthermore, fellows develop and present continuing education content for the ECHO network, significantly contributing to collaborative care initiatives.1

Formal Education and Supervision

Fellows are allocated six protected hours per week for formal educational activities, including seminars focused on core topics in neuropsychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry, a journal club aimed at discussing significant papers in the field, and grand rounds involving expert-led learning sessions.1

Research Opportunities

Research and quality improvement are integral to the fellowship, with fellows enjoying dedicated time each week to pursue scholarly projects under faculty mentorship. Previous projects have resulted in publication in peer-reviewed consultation-liaison journals and presentations at national meetings, thereby emphasizing the program's dedication to evidence-based practices and academic contributions.1

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program supports visa applications; they can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to the diverse applicant pool, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and DOs. This inclusive stance towards various educational backgrounds enhances the fellowship's competitiveness.

Regarding application specifics, candidates must present a complete packet that includes an application form, updated CV, medical school transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores (Steps 1, 2, and 3). Candidates should also submit three letters of recommendation (one from the current training director) and the ECFMG certificate if applicable. The program does not impose a strict scrutiny over the year of graduation or the number of failed STEP exams; however, candidates with a comprehensive training background are encouraged to apply for the best alignment with the fellowship’s values and goals.1

Training Environment

The UNM Health System stands out as a tertiary referral center for the Southwest region and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in New Mexico. It houses Truman Health Services, which serves as the largest patient-centered medical home for individuals living with HIV and those who identify as transgender or gender non-binary. Such a rich training environment offers fellows complete training in managing complex medical, surgical, and psychiatric needs, preparing them for future clinical challenges.1

Competitiveness and Suitability

The fellowship program is noted for its competitiveness, emphasizing a holistic approach to care and collaborative practice within family and specialty medicine realms. This includes unique training methodologies focused on the integration of behavioral health into primary care settings, which are increasingly recognized as essential in modern healthcare delivery.1