Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is distinguished as one of the first programs accredited by the ACGME. Established in 1978, this one-year program is tailored for psychiatrists who have completed their residency and wish to pursue advanced training in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Under comprehensive guidance from the faculty, fellows are provided opportunities to immerse themselves in both clinical and research activities that span a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Noteworthy clinical areas within the fellowship include proactive ICU consultations, high-risk obstetrics, transplant programs (heart, liver, kidney, pancreas), and neurology subspecialties (like movement disorders, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis) among others 1.

Clinical Rotations and Responsibilities

Fellows at VCU participate in numerous clinical rotations throughout the program. The adult general inpatient consultation service is recognized as one of the most favorable and highly-rated rotations available. Residents from various disciplines, such as medical students in M3 and M4 years, as well as neurology residents, frequently engage in electives or required rotations within the inpatient consultation service 1.

Fellows are expected to assume calls from home approximately two weeknights per month, relieving them from in-hospital calls or weekend responsibilities. This structure, along with the allowance for moonlighting, fosters a balanced work-life experience, while also enabling fellows to cultivate a progressive responsibility that enables their transition to independent practice by the fellowship's end 1.

Educational Experience

The fellowship emphasizes extensive supervision including weekly oversight of psychotherapy, liaison activities, teaching, and research from the faculty, who are deeply dedicated to fostering the professional growth of the fellows. Educational offerings also include opportunities to teach medical students and psychiatry residents, participate in a weekly consultation-liaison literature seminar, and engage with the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry's resources 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have ample opportunities to explore various clinical and research interests. They can initiate new liaison collaborations tailored to their specific interests, which helps foster a unique learning environment that encourages innovation and individualized training experiences 1.

Career Outcomes

The fellowship prepares its graduates for careers in a wide range of settings. Typically, alumni find positions in academic medical centers, regional hospitals, collaborative outpatient clinics, inpatient medical-psych units, or Veterans Affairs hospitals, indicating the program's strong reputation in producing qualified and capable psychiatrists 1.

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship can be submitted through the ERAS system or by direct email using the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry’s common application form. The program strives to maintain an inclusive and efficient application process, reviewing all applications equitably regardless of submission method 1.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must have completed an accredited residency in psychiatry and must have successfully passed all steps of the USMLE. Additionally, they should be eligible for a Virginia medical license. Prospective fellows are required to submit a curriculum vitae along with three letters of reference, including one from the residency training director 1.

Training Environment

The clinical training occurs at VCU Medical Center, the university's academic hospital located in the dynamic downtown Richmond area. This facility is a 750-bed Level 1 trauma center, providing essential primary and tertiary care services including a nationally acclaimed cancer center and a free-standing psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. The urban and suburban clinical settings provide diverse and comprehensive learning experiences 1.

Life in Richmond

Richmond offers a vibrant lifestyle suitable for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As an engaging mid-sized city with a population of approximately 1.3 million, it boasts a variety of cultural and recreational activities that complement the rigorous academic and clinical demands of the fellowship. This unique environment supports the holistic development of fellows 1.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship for eligible fellows, providing opportunities to apply for necessary visa types, which facilitates a diverse cohort of residents and enriches the learning experience 1.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The VCU Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship is recognized for being open to a range of applicants, including those from DO backgrounds and international medical graduates. This inclusivity enhances the diversity of perspectives brought to the fellowship, and it strives for a competitive yet supportive training environment 1.