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Robert Balster, Ph.D. Kenneth Kendler, M.D. Susan Kornstein, M.D.

Research Track Mentors

Michael C. Neale, Ph.D. John Hettema, M.D.,Ph.D. Louis J De Felice, Ph.D..

Research Track

Research residents will have special didactic programming in PGY-1, and a 2 month block of available time during PGY-2, in which to organize and pursue a research focus. During PGY 3 and 4, research residents may pursue either a “block” or “longitudinal” model of research time. The block model would provide 3 months for research in PGY-3, 3 months full-time in PGY-4, plus an additional 15 hours/week for the final half of PGY-4. The longitudinal model would provide 10 hours/week for research throughout PGY-3, 15 hours/week for half of PGY-4, and 20 hours/week for the remainder of PGY-4.

Opportunities for ongoing research include the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, the Division of Addictions Psychiatry, the Division of Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry, the VCU Mood Disorders Institute, and the Commonwealth Institute for Child and Family Studies. Other areas of focus may be arranged throughout the Department and its affiliates.

Three research tracks are currently available:
  • Clinical Researcher

    This track will focus on the development of career-level skills in clinical research. This resident will work with a mentor in clinical settings throughout residency, will establish an area of research interest, and will pursue post-residency fellowship training to further the clinical research interest. During or after a fellowship year, this individual will be guided in application for a “K award” to continue their research direction.

  • Translational Research

    This training program would provide the physician with a foundation of knowledge in general psychiatry and an additional in-depth understanding of clinical epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, pharmacology and a variety of clinical neurosciences. During PGY-1, planning could begin for acquiring a “T32 Grant” starting in the PG-4 year. An internally funded PGY 5-7 research fellowship may also be available. Continuing in a post-residency fellowship would be an expectation, with pilot data from an independent project to be produced during that year. The translational research track would continue with a “K award” and an independent research project in year 6.

  • MD/PhD Psychiatry Resident Track

    This program will be available for combined MD/PhD graduates, or those with doctoral level training prior to medical school. The goal will be to graduate a trainee capable of functioning as an independent investigator. Trainees may be asked to seek NIH postdoctoral fellowship support for their PG-4 year and for a possible PG-5 fellowship year.

Internal funding for a 3-year post residency research fellowship (PGY 5-7) may also be available.

Other research opportunities are available outside of the research track.





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Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry

Last Update: March, 2012 according to departmental policy
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