Psychiatry


What advice would you offer first- and second-year students who are interested in pursuing your specialty?

First of all, you are making a wonderful choice if you are already sure. If you’re trying to learn more about the field, feel free to reach out to one of the faculty members or residents in psychiatry. Consider joining your medical school’s local interest group. You can also reach out to the Director of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry for more opportunities of getting involved.

Specialty Career Advisor:
Kalyan Muppavarapu, MD
Director, Psychiatry Residency Program
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

muppavarapuk17@ecu.edu


Does research experience need to be in the specialty itself?

Research experience is not required but can be a good opportunity to learn more about the field. Especially early on in your medical school career, getting involved in research in any specialty can be a good way to learn basic skills.


What M3/M4 electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?

Any of the Psychiatry electives would provide great exposure to the field.


Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?

Away rotations are not necessary but might help you with networking if you have a very specific geographic preference.


If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many away rotations do you recommend?

N/A


If away rotations are necessary, when should they be completed?

N/A


Which month/s are interviews most concentrated?

Interviews tend to be more concentrated in the fall- October through December.


Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?

At least one letter from Psychiatry.


If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?

Consider Neurology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics but knowledge of the applicant is more important.


Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?

We recommend getting one from a supervisor that knows you best.


How competitive are the residency programs in this specialty?

Some programs are more competitive than others. Generally speaking, Psychiatry programs tend to be of intermediate competitiveness.

How important are each of the following for admission to a competitive program in your specialty?

Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not Important

Comments

Shadowing

X

Leadership

X

Community Service

X

Extracurricular Activities

X

Research / Publications

X

AOA Membership

X

Gold Humanism Honor Society

X

USMLE Step 2 Scores

X

Clerkship Grades

X

Top Tier Medical School

X

MSPE Letter

X

Personal Statement

X

Letters of Recommendation

X