Train in an exciting environment in one of the most beautiful states in the country. Learn how to make a real difference in older people’s behavioral health every day. Our fellowship is ACGME accredited.
Geriatric Psychiatry is one of the most under-represented subspecialties in New Mexico. At the same time, the state's over-65 population exceeds the national average.
What does this mean to you? There are many wonderful learning and professional opportunities here!
When you join our fellowship, you’ll be part of a compassionate and knowledgeable team that strives to maximize the quality of life, maintain independence, and function and provide culturally-sensitive healthcare to elderly patients in New Mexico and the Southwest region. You’ll have the ability to work independently with great support and supervision as well.
You will work in multiple settings to truly understand how each one fits into overall geriatric psychiatry. In addition to this broad foundational base, we’re flexible. We want you to choose electives to pursue your own interests, too.
As a fellow, I got to work in inpatient and outpatient settings. I especially appreciated rotating in nursing homes and seeing the structure and capacity of these facilities. I also really liked that we could make such a difference in people’s lives.
The UNM Health Sciences Center is the only academic medical center for the state. Its hospital system serves as the Level 1 trauma center for New Mexico and a tertiary referral center for the greater Southwest Region. The HSC serves a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population including members of 19 Native American pueblos, two Apache nations, and the Navajo Nation. The Hispanic population in New Mexico numbers among the highest in the country.
If you’re interested in cutting edge research and treatments, we’ve got you covered. Our department collaborates with others in the University, as well as the MIND Research Network which is located nearby, to study mental illness and brain disease. New Mexico also is home to two powerhouse research facilities: Sandia National Labs and Los Alamos National Labs.
We’re called the “Land of Enchantment” for a reason. New Mexico is a unique and beautiful state. It has a long, rich history with a strong rural and frontier base. It’s also an ideal place to learn, live, and raise a family. A high desert state at the tail end of the Rocky Mountains, New Mexico has more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Our cost of living is well below the national average, too.
When you train with us, you’ll become a specialist who directly meets community needs and serves as an important resource to other medical providers in effective geriatric psychiatric care throughout New Mexico.
Eligibility
Successfully completed an ACGME-accredited general residency psychiatry program.
Must be eligible for full medical licensure by the State of New Mexico.
Must have successfully passed USMLE Step III prior to entry into the program.
Graduates of foreign medical programs must be permanent residents or eligible for a J-1 visa sponsored by ECFMG.
Apply
1. Contact us so we are aware of your interest. Notify the education division program manager, submit your CV, and leave your contact information.
2. Fill out an application
Mail Us At :
Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program
C/O Desirae Ramirez
MSC09-5030
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Once we have received your application materials, we will make the decision about scheduling an interview mand will contact you.
A completed application packet contains
Application
Updated Curriculum Vitae
Medical School Transcripts
USMLE/COMPLEX Scores Steps 1, 2, & 3
3 Letters of Recommendation (one from current Training Director)
ECFMG Certificate (when applicable)
ACGME also asks that US programs notify applicants of the length of the program. The Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship requires 12 months of training. The University of New Mexico School of Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
As a fellow, your cores rotations provide the opportunity to learn in a variety of settings, often with an interdisciplinary team. In addition, you’ll have a choice of electives so that you can pursue your own interests too.
Core Rotations
Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry
Outpatient continuity clinic
Consultation-Liaison—VA
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Long-term care: Assisted Living and Nursing Home facilities
Electives
Sleep Medicine
Palliative Care
Emergency Psychiatry
Community Outreach
You’ll have rich learning experiences during your year with us. Whether they’re in a small meeting room or a lecture hall, we’ve designed all of our didactics to deepen your knowledge and enhance your clinical work.
You’ll participate in weekly two-hour didactics that focus specifically on current research and leading studies in the field of geriatric psychiatry.
During our department’s weekly Grand Rounds, you’ll also learn from experts in behavioral health treatment, research, and related fields.
Additional activities include
Seminars
Journal article presentations
Resident and medical student teaching
Quality improvement project
Core Faculty
Christopher Abbott, MD
Tenured Professor
Division Chief, Geriatric Psychiatry
Division Chief, Psychiatric Neuromodulation
Kanchan Kohli, MD
Assistant Professor
Medical Director, UNM Seniors’ Clinic
Cynthia Geppert, MD, PhD
Site Director, NM/VAHCS; national expert in co-occurring disorders and bioethics
Visit the state’s wonderful tourism website for stories and videos about living in the Land of Enchantment
Medical Education Program Specialist
Desirae Rosales
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
2400 Tucker Avenue NE
1 University of New Mexico
MSC09-5030
Albuquerque, NM 87131
