Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program Curriculum
Program Goal
The primary objective of our geriatric psychiatry fellowship training program is to train academically knowledgeable, clinically astute and caring geriatric psychiatrists.
Clinical Experience
Our clinically based program offers experiences in inpatient, outpatient, primary care, consultation-liaison, home care, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. Throughout training, biological, psychological and sociocultural factors are integrated so that the fellow develops skills specific to the care of the geriatric patient, learning to select and utilize the most current methods of pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy. While emphasizing clinical geriatric psychiatry, the program provides opportunities to learn and develop administrative, teaching, and research skills. As part of their training, fellows participate in a scholarly project of their choosing with their mentor.
In keeping with the emerging trends in healthcare policy and delivery, the fellowship provides trainees with immersive interprofessional experiences with colleagues in geriatric medicine and other medical disciplines. Fellows also have exposure to educational training and work closely with faculty in training.
Didactic Training
Our faculty is deeply committed to the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of our fellows. Learning is reinforced through careful supervision of all clinical work; comprehensive didactic seminars build on each other and are integrated with the clinical program, case conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, and the mentorship program. Fellows actively participate in all levels of training and planning. Continuous review and support of the program, its trainees, and faculty receives the highest departmental priority.
Commitment to Well-Being
The leadership of the UCSD/VA Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship recognize that fellowship is a time of advanced study and self-discovery. As such, fellows are given ample time to pursue and explore areas of interest in an atmosphere that values work/life balance. Fellows do not have overnight call or weekend responsibilities, and moonlighting is available through the VA San Diego Health System.