University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine offers a unique opportunity for medical professionals to train in a vibrant and culturally rich environment. This fellowship is ACGME accredited, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive education to address the behavioral health needs of older adults.

Geriatric psychiatry is particularly relevant in New Mexico, where the population over the age of 65 exceeds the national average. This creates numerous learning and professional opportunities for fellows, allowing them to work with a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, maintaining independence, and providing culturally-sensitive healthcare to elderly patients.

Why Choose the University of New Mexico?

UNM Health Sciences Center serves as the only academic medical center in the state, functioning as a Level 1 trauma center and a tertiary referral center for the Southwest Region. It caters to a diverse population, including members of various Native American pueblos and a significant Hispanic community, allowing fellows to gain essential experience in culturally competent care.

The program emphasizes cutting-edge research and treatment, collaborating with the MIND Research Network and taking advantage of nearby research facilities such as Sandia National Labs and Los Alamos National Labs. This provides fellows with the opportunity to engage in innovative studies concerning mental illness and brain disease, enhancing their educational experience.

Training Environment

Fellows will undertake rotations in a variety of settings, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of geriatric psychiatry. The training includes core rotations such as:

• Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry
• Outpatient Continuity Clinic
• Consultation-Liaison with the Veterans Affairs (VA) system
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Long-term Care in Assisted Living and Nursing Home facilities

In addition to these core experiences, fellows can choose electives tailored to their interests, including Sleep Medicine, Palliative Care, Emergency Psychiatry, and Community Outreach, providing a personalized education in this crucial field.

Curriculum and Didactics

The fellowship year is robust in didactic activities aimed at deepening fellows' clinical knowledge and skills. Weekly two-hour didactics focus on current research and advancements in geriatric psychiatry. Additionally, fellows participate in weekly Grand Rounds collaboratives, learning from subject matter experts and engaging in essential discussions that shape the field.

Additional scholarly activities include seminars, journal article presentations, and involvement in resident and medical student teaching. This structure not only builds knowledge but also fosters leadership and mentoring skills in the next generation of medical professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship, candidates must:

• Have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited general residency in psychiatry.
• Be eligible for full medical licensure in New Mexico.
• Have passed the USMLE Step III exam prior to program entry.
• For international medical graduates, one must be a permanent resident or eligible for a J-1 visa sponsored by ECFMG.

Application Process

The application process consists of contacting the education division program manager to express interest, submitting a curriculum vitae (CV), and providing contact information. The complete application packet includes a filled application form, medical school transcripts, USMLE scores, and three letters of recommendation, with one from the current training director.

After review, selected candidates will be contacted for an interview, which is an essential part of the evaluative process. The fellowship lasts for 12 months, allowing in-depth exposure and experience.

Visa Support

The program supports candidates who require a J-1 visa, which is sponsored by ECFMG, enabling international medical graduates to fulfill their fellowship training in the United States.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at UNM is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse applicant pool. However, the program is reported to be friendly toward DO candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs), deliberately seeking a varied cohort of fellows.

Living in New Mexico

Training in New Mexico offers fellows not only professional growth but also a chance to enjoy the state's remarkable landscape and rich cultural heritage. Known as the “Land of Enchantment”, New Mexico boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an appealing location to live and practice medicine.

In summary, the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine provides a comprehensive, innovative, and culturally sensitive training program aimed at addressing the needs of the elderly population, making it an excellent choice for aspiring geriatric psychiatrists.