A day in the life of a PGY-1 psychiatry resident

The PGY-1 psychiatry and behavioral sciences year in psychiatry serves as an introduction to the specialty and to medicine in general. The program has been conscientiously structured to provide incoming residents with a firm foundation in general medicine and the clinical neurosciences. As such, the year is divided into six months of psychiatric rotations, two months of neurology, two months of internal medicine, a month in emergency medicine and a month in pediatrics. This allows our residents to be well equipped to manage and treat the varied pathology that we will be exposed to at the University of Louisville’s diverse academic environment.

The year starts with a rotation in psychiatry. As an example, a resident may rotate at the UofL Health-UofL Hospital Inpatient Psychiatry ward, which is considered a rewarding educational experience. The medical treatment team consists of an attending, a PGY-4 resident and either three PGY-1s or two PGY-2s. Each day begins with the residents pre-rounding on their respective patients, reviewing patient’s charts for any overnight events and seeing any new admissions to the unit. Table rounds begin at 9 a.m., with the entire treatment team, which includes the clinical staff, social work, nurse managers, therapists and other support staff. This allows residents to be informed and involved in all aspects of a patient’s care and, in the process, residents learn systems based practice. Following table rounds the resident begins formal teaching rounds with the attending physician; and the day culminates with residents following up on notes, orders and general daily patient care.

In addition to the responsibilities of each specific rotation, the program emphasizes didactic education and professional development. As such, residents attend weekly lectures and a weekly academic hour with the entire department. The topics of discussion range from current research, to psychiatry board review. In addition, residents cover one or two weekend shifts in the emergency psychiatry service. This unique opportunity allows them to be introduced to patients with the highest level of clinical acuity early in our training. Overall, our program is designed to train well-rounded psychiatrists that can comfortably practice in today's ever-changing medical and mental health landscape.

When not in the hospital, the residents in our program enjoy an active social life and soak in everything that Louisville has to offer. Whether it is sports, rock climbing, musical concerts, festivals, hiking, culture, arts, theater or cuisine, Louisville has everything. Our residents and faculty are involved in every imaginable social and community activity. The University of Louisville Department of Psychiatry has a wonderful work-life balance and residents are given the opportunities and support to develop personally, professionally and academically.