United Health Services Hospitals Program

Psychiatry Residency Overview

The Psychiatry Residency Program at United Health Services Hospitals, located in Johnson City, New York, offers a comprehensive and enriching training experience for aspiring psychiatrists. The program is ACGME accredited and provides a curriculum that combines inpatient, interventional, outpatient, and consult-liaison psychiatry experiences. Launched in July 2023 with the first intern class, the program showcases a strong commitment to education and patient care.

The mission of the program is to improve the health of the community through excellence in psychiatric care, emphasizing compassion, trust, respect, teamwork, and innovation in all practices. The residency exposes participants to a diverse patient population, significantly enhancing clinical experience and skill development.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed with flexibility, allowing residents to concentrate their training in areas of interest. This includes 13 blocks of four-week rotations annually, covering both general and specialized psychiatry competencies.

Rotations include:

• Inpatient Psychiatry
• Outpatient Psychiatry
• Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Interventional Psychiatry

During the PGY-4 year, residents have the option for flexible elective scheduling, enabling exploration of individual interests.

Training Environment

United Health Services Hospitals features a diverse clinical environment where residents can work with a range of psychiatric conditions across various settings. Residents benefit from being part of a socio-economically, ethnically, and culturally diverse patient population. The faculty comprises highly knowledgeable and supportive professionals dedicated to residents’ academic and clinical growth.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities, including participation in annual regional biomedical conferences where they can present their findings. Such opportunities are instrumental in honing research skills and enhancing residents’ academic profiles.

Stipend and Benefits

Residents receive competitive stipends, health insurance coverage, and a range of additional benefits that include:

• Family Health Insurance through Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, with premiums covered by the hospital.
• Life, malpractice, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Professional development funds of $750 per year for the first two years, increasing to $1,500 in the final year.
• Academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Instructors at Upstate Medical University.
• Personal time off amounts to 18 days in PGY-1, 25 days in PGY-2, and 27 days in PGY-3.

Additionally, a moving allowance of $300 is provided, and residents have access to wellness programs and support for fatigue management.

Visa Support

The program accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the Psychiatry Residency Program is competitive. It welcomes a diverse group of applicants, including U.S. graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Key application requirements include:

• Graduation from medical school within the past five years.
• USMLE Step 2 minimum score preference of 220; COMLEX Levels 1 and 2 scores of 500 and above.
• Successful completion of Steps 1 and 2 before the rank order list deadline.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from a psychiatry professional.

All documentation must be submitted through ERAS by December 31st.

Conclusion

The Psychiatry Residency Program at United Health Services Hospitals represents a robust opportunity for medical graduates to advance their careers in psychiatric medicine. By fostering an environment of learning, research, and comprehensive clinical exposure, the program prepares residents to become effective and compassionate psychiatrists.