How to Apply

The eligibility criteria for the program:

• Successful completion of training from an ACGME approved medical school
• Valid ECFMG certificate
• USMLE 1, 2, CS and CK. Step 3* necessary for H Visa sponsorship/COMLEX 1-2
• Generally, we interview applicants with scores on each step above 80
• English proficiency
• Prior psychiatric experience – preferred but not essential
• US hospital experience – preferred but not essential
• We accept International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as well as US medical graduates (USGs). IMG incoming residents may have advanced degrees in psychiatry prior to entering our program.
• We only review applicants for entrance into residency through the electronic system ERAS.
• Dean's Letter, Medical School Transcript

* Step 3 must be passed before the end of PGY-2 year in order to remain in the SUNY Downstate Psychiatry Residency Program.

FAQs

What about Visas?

We sponsor the following Visas:

• J1 – with valid ECFMG certificate, USMLE 1, 2, CS and CK, and English proficiency
• H1 – to a limited degree. All of the above plus a passing score on Step 3 of the USMLE. Step 3 must be passed by mid-February of the interview season in order to be eligible for a H1 Visa

Does the year of medical school graduation matter?

• Generally residents accepted into the program have graduated within the past 5 years.

When is your interview season?

• Interview season begins in November and continues thorough mid February.

Do you offer observerships or externships?

• No

How many positions are available?

• Currently we accept 10-12 incoming PGY-1 residents for each academic year. Occasionally, we have a PGY-2 position available which may be offered

What types of fellowships do you offer?

• Child Psychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry

What about research?

We offer a wide array of research opportunities at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. These include:

• Neurodynamics laboratory
• Primate studies
• Geriatric psychiatry
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Community and social psychiatry
• CBT of psychosis
• Educational psychiatry (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Psychotherapy
• Dialysis

What types of programs do you offer?

• General 4 year program in psychiatry
• Research track – 5 year program – eligibility is restricted to candidates with previous research experience and who plan on a career in research psychiatry
• Combined general adult and child/adolescent psychiatry – 5 or 6 year program – eligibility to enter after successful completion of PGY-3 or PGY-4 general psychiatry residency

What about Pay and Benefits?

• Pay sources vary – PGY-1 residents do not receive their first pay check until 6-8 weeks into their training
• Range is $56K - $70K from PGY-1 to PGY-4
• Benefits include:
  • CIR
  • Medical, dental, ophthalmology and psychotherapy coverage
  • Book and travel allowance to medical conferences
  • Same-sex partner health benefits
  • 4 weeks vacation
  • Educational days, maternity and paternity allowance

What about housing?

• We do not provide long term on campus housing
• Provisional short term housing is sometimes available on campus
• Student Union: State of the art fitness center, pool, discount theatre and entertainment office, medical bookstore
• Vacation – 4 weeks/year