Psychiatry Residency at Henry Ford Questions and Answers
What is the diversity/quality of education?
Having so many staff with such diverse interests allows the residents to tailor education to their interests. Collaboration with the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute gives residents interested in pursuing analytical training a unique opportunity. Our department has more than seven therapists certified by the Beck Institute. We are dedicated to evidenced-based psychotherapy and biological treatment.
What are the typical work hours?
The typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for the vast majority of rotations; some have slightly longer, some slightly shorter hours.
Do residents find the staff to be friendly, helpful, and available?
Yes. We have a core group of teaching faculty who integrate clinical supervision and didactic teaching into their daily work. In addition, we have a larger group of faculty members who interact with residents less frequently, but are still dedicated to teaching.
Does the program allow me to tailor to my specific desires?
Yes. We have several specialized educational tracks. The Medical Leadership Track allows senior residents the chance to learn and develop leadership skills through didactics, participation in the Department's Executive Committee, mentoring and a final project. The ECT Fellowship qualifies residents to sit for ECT Certification Examinations. The Psychotherapy Track is a fantastic opportunity for residents who plan to become practicing therapists. There are opportunities for more in-depth analytic training through our collaborative relationship with the MPI, and for becoming certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Why come to Detroit?
Detroit is a city in change. Over the last four years 12,000 working households have moved in near Henry Ford Hospital. This is in part due to an incentive program jointly sponsored by Henry Ford Health System, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Centers, where employees are subsidized to purchase or lease homes in the area. Also many artists have begun to migrate to Detroit, which now boasts a growing community. As folks move downtown, so do shops, grocery stores (Whole Foods) and restaurants. Detroit is thriving, growing and changing. It continues to be home to one of the most diverse urban populations in the US. This diversity includes economic, where some of the poorest people live just blocks from some of the nation's most wealthy. Interestingly, many health resources are shared, especially mental health resources. This results in an incredible learning opportunity for trainees. Lastly, but just as important, Detroit is an incredibly affordable place to live. This means that residents can live comfortably even while in training.
Do the residents socialize after work-hours?
We hold regular Film Clubs, where staff and residents watch movies and discuss them from a psychological perspective. Staff will join with residents, but the environment remains informal and relaxed for all who attend. There are also more formal educational activities such as Journal Clubs. The most relaxed social activities happen spontaneously, where residents gather for potlucks, dinners or sports outings. Our work environment stresses collaboration over competition and this fosters friendships which last through residency and beyond.
Is there protected time for didactics?
Yes. Every Thursday there are protected hours.
Do residents use an electronic medical record (EMR) system?
HFHS has transitioned to a unified electronic medical record system called Epic. It is estimated that by 2020 about 2/3 of all patients receiving care in the USA will have an Epic EMR. It is generally considered to be the gold standard of EMRs, with electronic prescribing and hospital orders built in. Currently, all of Henry Ford Health System is using Epic.
How much vacation time are residents given?
All resident each receive 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.
Do residents have paid time-off for conferences?
Yes. PGY 3 and PGY 4 residents may take off up to 5 days per year for educational conferences.
Do residents receive a stipend for books, conferences and other educational expenses?
Yes. PGY 1s receive a stipend of $600 (current rate) to be used during the first 2 years of residency. PGY 3s and PGY 4s receive $1250 (current rate) per year.
Do residents participate in improving the residency program?
Yes. Our Program is just that - Our Program. We work collaboratively to make positive changes. Additionally, we encourage residents to speak out in order to effect positive change. There are formal opportunities for residents to learn about Quality Improvement processes, and even apply what they've learned on a QI project. This can directly involve the Residency Program. Residents are given multiple opportunities for providing feedback and participating in program change. Monthly resident meetings are held to discuss rotation improvement needs. An annual Resident Retreat allows residents protected time to systematically review the residency. While Anonymous Psound off affords total anonymity for sharing concerns. Near weekly interactions (both formal and informal) between the Program Director and the residents enhance collegiality and encourage a collaborative environment that supports positive, continuous change.
Is there an opportunity for residents to teach?
Yes. Residents participate in a Formal Teaching to Teach Program.
Do residents participate in Quality Improvement?
Yes. Henry Ford Health System is a recognized center of quality improvement work. Our own Department has won awards for this. Perfect Depression Care and the Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Programs are two examples. A formal QI course occurs yearly. A combination of didactics, workshop sessions, Open School electronic self-study curriculum and personal mentoring through a group QI project all serve to well prepare trainees for the future landscape of medicine, where physicians will be expected to participate in QI activities. In addition, residents have a unique opportunity to participate in Tap Root Analysis sessions, where QI professionals assist in examining every aspect of sentinel events. During these sessions we critically appraise processes for the purpose of reducing future risk.
Do residents participate in community events?
Yes. There are plenty of formal opportunities through the Health System, the House Staff Council and the Department. These are great ways to connect and build social community with like-minded colleagues and community members.
Are residents involved in recruitment?
Yes. Residents are asked to interview candidates and provide feedback which is critical in the selection process. Additionally, the Program Director and residents gather to rank candidates.. Lastly, residents tour candidates through the Health System and have a chance to informally address concerns and questions.
Do residents learn about sleep hygiene?
Yes. This curriculum is presented to all House Staff at Henry Ford Health System on a biannual basis through an electronic, home-study format. Additionally, there is a "Sleep Medicine" curriculum, where formal didactics are presented by experts.
What kind of reference resources do residents have access to?
24-hour remote access is granted to the Sladen Library System. Through Sladen, residents have unrestricted access to Up-To-Date, Clinical Pharmacology, StatRef!, OVID, journals, textbooks and multiple other resources. Additional journals and textbooks are also available through Psychiatry Online. Additionally, the medical education department employs staff to assist with resident-driven research and publications. This support is extended for assistance with case reports, grand rounds and journal club presentations as well.
How many residents get fellowships positions?
100% of our residents who apply for Fellowship Training are granted their first or second choice of training positions.
Why choose Henry Ford?
Detroit is an amazing place to train. It's a place with great diversity. Learning to practice psychiatry at Henry Ford exposes one to a diverse patient population in variety of clinical settings. We are a creative, collaborative learning community. Teaching and close clinical supervision are emphasized early in training. Later autonomy allows for individual practice styles to emerge. This balance results in total preparedness to transition to a variety of practice types.
We offer several specialized educational tracks: ECT Fellowship, Psychotherapy, and full QI curriculum. A collaborative learning environment allows residents to tailor their education to better meet individual needs and interests.
Lastly, Detroit is a city in constant change. It is alive with change. Watching and living this change is exciting. Sports, the arts, great restaurants and parks can all be found. Access is easy and life is affordable. It's a great home to all trainees. Many of us, former West Coasters or NYers have chosen to stay for this reason. We invite you to join us in Detroit for your Psychiatry Residency Training. It's a decision you would not regret.