Rotation Summary

The primary goal of the general psychiatry program is to foster an educational environment that allows residents to grow into well-rounded, innovative leaders in the field of psychiatry. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in psychiatric principles during the first two clinical years, common to all residents. During these years, residents complete required rotations in neurology and medicine/pediatrics and are immersed in hospital-based psychiatry, developing strong inpatient skills.

Psychotherapy training is a core component of the program. Residents are introduced to psychotherapy during the second year and build on these skills throughout the remainder of residency. In the third year, residents advance their expertise in outpatient care, managing patients in both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology across diverse settings, including the outpatient psychotherapy and psychopharmacology programs at Executive Park, the Grady Park Place outpatient psychiatry clinics, the VA Mental Hygiene Clinic and Emory Student Health.

The fourth year is designed to support residents in tailoring their training to their post-residency career goals. Residents have opportunities to pursue leadership roles such as chief residency positions at Emory University Hospital, the VA Medical Center, Grady Memorial Hospital or Emory Ambulatory Services at EP12, or to focus on specialized tracks such as research, advanced clinical psychiatry or psychoanalysis.

Overall, the educational focus of the program evolves from building foundational inpatient skills to developing advanced outpatient expertise. As residents progress through the program, they cultivate individualized areas of interest and expertise, ranging from clinical psychiatry to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, education and research.