Reproductive Psychiatry Education

Training

Our program has trained:

• 83 medical students
• 68 psychiatry residents
• 4 fellows in reproductive psychiatry

Reproductive Psychiatry Fellowship

Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with peripartum mental health problems, Health care providers are not well trained to address the mental health needs of this population. Multi-disciplinary training in the identification, assessment, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for pregnant and postpartum women is critically needed to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with peripartum mental illness. Completion of a one year, sub-specialty training program in Reproductive Psychiatry meets this critical need.

Description of the Fellowship

Physicians who have completed residency training in Psychiatry will receive an additional one year training in Reproductive Psychiatry. We are also currently working to develop a curriculum for those having completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency.

Training will include weekly didactics and clinical supervision including the assessment and diagnosis of mental health problems in pregnancy and postpartum including mood, anxiety, psychotic, and substance use disorders as well as pre-pregnancy consultations and grief/loss.

Didactics and supervision will specifically address the appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for this population. Care of patients will include initial consultation, medication management, and when appropriate, psychotherapy. There are opportunities for giving lectures, supervising psychiatry residents, and other educational ventures, if interested. The position will be supported by ancillary services (therapists, social worker). All clinical services will be provided to patients in-person or via telemedicine in an outpatient obstetrical setting.

Fellows are encouraged to explore and develop additional clinical or clinical research interests as they relate to Women’s Mental Health across the lifespan. Fellowship training experiences can be tailored to the individual’s interests in Women’s Mental Health and the program’s ongoing research studies.

The application consists of: A curriculum vitae, three references, and personal statement. Review of applications and interviewing of candidates takes place between August and November, with a planned start date of July 1st.

For more information, or to apply to the fellowship, please contact: Dr. Claire Smith at smithcl@musc.edu. Interested OB/GYN residents and providers are welcome to reach out for updates regarding the curriculum.