Residents may be involved in department research programs at any time including elective time in the fourth year. During their first year, residents spend six months training in internal medicine and neurology and six months on our inpatient psychiatry units. After the first year, rotations are structured so that outpatient time is integrated and protected. Beginning in their second year, residents follow patients for therapy and medication management under the supervision of clinic attending staff. Additionally, each resident has up to three supervisors for outpatients to provide continuum of care for long-term patients.
Residents assume greater responsibilities with each rotation as their experience increases.
A team approach to patient care is emphasized with the attending physician and resident assuming leadership roles. Elective time is available during the fourth year when a resident may focus on an area of interest or gain more experience in a clinical rotation. An administrative psychiatry elective is offered, as well as the opportunity to complete a Masters Degree in Health Administration from Penn State University. The academic curriculum consists of weekly lectures on a two-track system for beginning and upper level residents. The goal is to teach residents the fundamentals of psychiatry from theoretical and practical standpoints.