University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program

The 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.