Psychiatry - FAQ
Why Choose Einstein Medical Center?
Einstein Medical Center/Belmont Center combines a wealth of clinical experiences found in our unique combination of a general community teaching hospital and a private psychiatric hospital. There is a dedicated faculty of adult and child psychiatry teachers on each site, along with over 75 volunteer faculty of the Center for Psychoanalysis who participate in the education of the psychiatry resident. Our teachers and supervisors provide a supportive atmosphere for residents to develop their therapeutic skills.
Why is Philadelphia a good place to do a psychiatry residency?
Philadelphia is a wonderful place to do a psychiatry residency because it is rich in history, culture, academic resources, sports and social activities and fine dining. Philadelphia is a city with numerous residency programs, major medical centers and a very active psychiatric and psychoanalytic community.
How many residents are in the program? How many PGY 1 positions are available?
There are usually 33-35 residents in our Program. We accept 8-10 new residents each year.
Will I have an opportunity to teach in this program?
Yes. We strongly believe that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. Residents teach each other. First-year residents are assigned senior mentors to help them through the first year of training, and advanced residents are encouraged to support and teach residents in earlier years of training. Residents also teach Jefferson medical college students during their required third-year rotations on psychiatry and fourth-year electives.
What role do teaching conferences play in program?
Teaching conferences play a key role in Einstein Medical Center's Psychiatry Residency Program. Seminars and lectures are scheduled during a specific day of the week, the time protected with attendance required.
In addition, during the first two years of training, residents present cases in the inpatient and case conferences, which include attending staff, residents and ancillary staff such as nursing, social work and other disciplines. During the third year, residents present at the outpatient case conference. Fourth-year residents are required to present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds on a case or topic selected in consultations with faculty.
What are the specific requirements for your residency program?
Applicants must have passing grades for Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Although no specific minimum passing score is required, applicants must submit their performance profiles of the USMLE for review. Applicants must submit a personal statement reflecting a specific psychological experience, influence, book, etc., that illustrates their desire to pursue a career in psychiatry. If there is a gap between dates of medical school graduation and application for psychiatry residency, the applicant should indicate all experience in their pursuit of a psychiatric career, i.e. observerships, research, etc. There are no requirements regarding date of graduation, but for those who graduated a number of years ago, recent clinical experience and evidence of interest in psychiatry will be expected.
What are the fellowship opportunities coming from Einstein?
Two-thirds of our graduates continue into a fellowship. Our residents have been successful in obtaining excellent fellowship programs of their choice. Einstein Medical Center offers an excellent geriatric fellowship and is a major clinical site for the Thomas Jefferson University child fellowship.