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General Psychiatry

book_2 Learning Mode: Residential

The General Psychiatry residency program at the Medical University of South Carolina is designed to ensure that graduates possess sound clinical judgment, the requisite skills, and a high order of knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric disorders, and those medical and neurological disorders related to psychiatric practice. The program provides a thorough, well-balanced, and up-to-date presentation of the theories and knowledge base, including the associated psychological, sociocultural and neurobiological observations underlying all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures currently in use. The curriculum consists of a specific set of clinical experiences, classroom didactic instruction, and ample core elective time for developing more refined skills and experiencing other areas of interest. 

The backbone of our didactic program is a year by year 3-4 hour a week seminar series that links the field's knowledge base to the technical aspects of patient care being learned in clinical settings. In addition, there are weekly Grand Rounds, service-specific case conferences, and journal clubs.

View Grand Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

We do not maintain a minimum cut off. We do look favorably on first-time pass. We prefer to evaluate the applicant using a wide array of indicators. Multiple failed attempts rarely obtain an interview without extraordinary additional accomplishments and proven recent clinical experience at the resident level in the U.S.

Currently we sponsor primarily J1 visas. In unusual circumstances if an applicant is already on an H1 visa, or spousal H1 visa we would consider continuing that status if the applicant is otherwise qualified.

There is no absolute cut off and we do not discriminate based on age. Preference is given to more recent grads and those with recent U.S. clinical experience, particularly in the field of psychiatry and primary care medicine. A track record of clinical work or scholarly activity in the field of psychiatry and neuroscience is weighted more highly than applications with no prior interest or experience in the field.

U.S. clinical experience is highly regarded and adds to a candidate’s desirability. These applications are more competitive and more likely to earn an interview. Observerships are less helpful than actual clinical experience with patient responsibility. Significant research experience in the field can add weight to an application as well.

The average score is 215, but the range is very wide as the score is only one consideration in offering an interview and ranking an applicant. First time pass in all three USMLE steps is highly regarded. Multiple fails in any step will likely preclude an interview.

Between 5 and 7 percent of our residents come from non LCME International schools at any given point in time. 7-9% are graduates of US Osteopathic Schools.

Contact Us

Shelly Drake

Education Coordinator
Psychiatry Residency & Fellowship Training Programs

drakm@musc.edu