University of Rochester Program

The Psychiatry Residency Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) provides advanced training structured to cultivate well-rounded psychiatrists capable of addressing diverse mental health challenges. Known for being the birthplace of the Biopsychosocial Model, the program emphasizes an integrated approach that combines clinical, curricular, and community perspectives. This holistic model ensures that residents explore the social, cultural, familial, and individual determinants of health through their training.

Program Overview

The residency program prides itself on maintaining a comprehensive educational framework characterized by robust mentorship, advanced clinical exposure, and a diversity of training settings. With over 1,500 faculty and staff and an extensive outpatient service program that reaches beyond 420,000 patients per year, the department ensures an abundant learning environment for residents across various specialties.

Key features of the program include a commitment to diversity and inclusion, strong research opportunities, and a supportive learning framework. The mission of the residency aligns with its founding principles of compassion, integrity, and excellence in psychiatric education.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum is structured to include both clinical practice and didactic components. Didactics primarily occur one afternoon each week, with the clinical responsibilities adjusted to facilitate attendance. The curriculum spans four years, each designed to build progressively on skills required for psychiatric practice.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

• PGY-1: Focuses on establishing core skills as a physician and psychiatrist, with exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical experiences.
• PGY-2: Aims at building confidence in managing acute psychiatric cases, including trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders.
• PGY-3: Residents gain extensive outpatient experience, enhancing their competencies in both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
• PGY-4: Emphasizes mastery, leadership, and preparation for fellowship or practice transition.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Rochester Psychiatry Residency distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to education, substantial faculty engagement, and unparalleled support for residents' wellness. All PGY-2 residents gain experience in consultation-liaison psychiatry, enhancing their clinical skills in diverse settings.

The residency also fosters a strong emphasis on research, allowing residents to engage in scholarly projects during their training. Residents have opportunities for mentorship in research initiatives, access to department-level funding for national meeting attendance, and flexibility to pursue various advanced degree programs.

Training Sites

The program's robust offerings span multiple training sites, including:

• Inpatient adult and child & adolescent psychiatric units
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP)
• Consultation-Liaison Services in various hospital settings
• Outpatient training opportunities in clinics specializing in different population needs, such as Strong Ties and the LGBTQ Gender Wellness Clinic.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program accepts applications exclusively through ERAS, with a firm application deadline. A maximum of two years out of medical school without intervening clinical experience is permissible, and applicants must have completed USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CS, and Step 2 CK (or equivalent COMLEX exams) before ranking. For IMGs, only J-1 visas are supported for eligibility, accompanied by necessary documentation, including ECFMG certification.

The selection process is competitive, with a preference for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to clinical excellence and strong collaborative skills within a diverse environment.

Resident Life and Community Engagement

Resident life within the URMC Psychiatry program emphasizes work-life balance, community engagement, and camaraderie among trainees. The resident community is active, with opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities within the vibrant Rochester area. The program encourages fostering interests outside of clinical duties, such as mentorship initiatives, local community service, and wellness activities.

Research and Scholarly Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the residency experience. While there is no formal research track, residents can engage in various research projects with guidance from experienced faculty. Those interested in pursuing an academic career in psychiatry are encouraged to follow a pathway conducive to research engagement throughout training.

Additionally, residents are provided an annual stipend to attend professional conferences, with further funding available for those presenting their research or work.

Support and Resources

The program actively supports its residents, promoting wellness through initiatives such as the Dr. Teresa R. Miller Psychiatry Resident Wellness Fund, which provides opportunities for retreats focused on enhancing personal well-being. The department also prioritizes inclusion and understanding in clinical practice, ensuring that residents are well-prepared to meet the unique needs of varied patient populations.

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for applicants from international medical schools. This allows international graduates the opportunity to pursue residency training in an accredited program, provided they meet the outlined requirements.