University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program
Location:
Austin, TXSpecialty:
Geriatric psychiatryACGME Code:
4074840001The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School offers a one-year clinical fellowship specifically designed for psychiatrists interested in specializing in geriatric psychiatry. The fellowship aims to equip trainees with practical expertise in diagnosing and treating neuropsychiatric disorders prevalent in late life.
Fellows receive hands-on training across multiple clinical settings, ensuring a comprehensive education that accommodates diverse backgrounds and complex medical needs. The program emphasizes person-centered multidisciplinary care, preparing the next generation of leaders in geriatric mental health.
Curriculum
The curriculum integrates clinical training with both continuity experiences and immersive month-long clinical settings, focusing on the specific needs of older adults. The training is organized into several blocks:
- Block 1: Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin – Geriatric Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
- Block 2: Electroconvulsive Therapy/Neuromodulation
- Block 3: Palliative and Hospice Medicine
- Blocks 4/5: Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry at Austin State Hospital
- Block 6: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Dell Seton Medical Center
- Block 7: Geriatric Medicine Long-Term Care at Caraday Healthcare Centers
Fellows will maintain continuity experiences at outpatient clinics and academic settings, dedicating time each week to direct patient care, education, and research. Regular didactic sessions, including grand rounds and journal clubs, foster an environment conducive to learning and professional development.
Training Facilities
The program includes training at several reputable facilities:
- Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin: Geriatric consultation-liaison service offers support for older patients facing psychiatric issues. The facility includes an electroconvulsive therapy suite.
- Austin State Hospital: Provides inpatient psychiatric care to a large region in Central Texas, emphasizing complex behavioral health needs.
- Dell Seton Medical Center: The primary teaching hospital for Dell Med, renowned as a Level 1 Trauma Center, offers extensive training in interprofessional settings.
- UT Health Austin Comprehensive Memory Center: Addresses cognitive and behavioral issues relevant to neurodegenerative conditions through a multifaceted treatment model.
Research Opportunities
The Fellowship provides substantial opportunities for participation in research initiatives, particularly focused on treatment innovations in geriatric psychiatry. Engaging with distinguished faculty involved in groundbreaking studies enhances fellows' training and contributions to the field. Areas of research include neuroimaging, psychopharmacology, and health services implementation science.
Application Process
Two fellowship positions are available, with ongoing applications accepted year-round. The application requires:
- Completion of an accredited psychiatry residency
- Personal statement explaining the candidate's interest in geriatric psychiatry
- Curriculum vitae
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Proof of medical education, including passing scores on exams (COMLEX/USMLE)
- For international applicants, visa documentation and educational equivalency proof are required.
Interviews are conducted virtually, and offers are made on a rolling basis. This approach fosters a diverse pool of candidates passionate about serving older adults.
Visa Support
The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking to complete the fellowship, enabling qualified applicants from around the world to participate in this specialized training.
Competitiveness
The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship is considered a highly competitive program. The selection process prioritizes the most qualified candidates, independent of their background, creating a welcoming environment for both international medical graduates and those from the DO community.
Special Application Requirements
The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship does not utilize the ERAS system, but rigorous qualifications are enforced. As a prerequisite, applicants must complete or have completed an accredited residency in psychiatry. All candidates must be eligible for medical licensure in Texas and hold a medical degree from recognized institutions. Spelling out future opportunities, the fellowship prepares candidates to become board-certified in geriatric psychiatry after successful completion.
Website
Director
Erica C Garcia-Pittman, MDProgram Director, Site Director Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral (previously Seton Mind Institute) Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic Appointed Since April 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$76,642First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Austin, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Austin, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Austin is generally considered safe, but like any city, it has its share of crime. It's advisable to take standard safety precautions.
- Fun Activities: Austin is known for its live music scene, outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in the Barton Springs Pool, and an array of food trucks offering diverse cuisine.
- Climate: Austin has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- Races and Population: Austin is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures. The population is around 950,000.
- Education: Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, a prestigious educational institution.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Austin is moderate, with housing costs being relatively affordable compared to other major cities.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Austin is about 3 hours away from Houston and 1.5 hours from San Antonio by car.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary options, outdoor activities, and moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion during rush hours, increasing cost of living due to population growth.
Interview Questions
