Psychiatry Residency

We are a community care focused program whose mission is to create a learning environment for our residents that fosters their growth as physicians, teachers and leaders who will become the next generation of psychiatrists to promote the care of the mental health of all populations including the underserved. This is in keeping with our sponsoring institutions core values of service to others, the inalienable worth of each individual, and appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity.

The Phoenix Psychiatry Residency Program aims to:

1. Educating our residents to be psychiatrists with the knowledge and clinical acumen to diagnose and treat a variety of psychiatric illnesses in a variety of settings.
2. Promoting interpersonal skills and ethical behavior to best communicate with our patients and their families in a culturally sensitive manner.
3. Interfacing with consultants and other disciplines in a manner where we exchange information in an educational and clear manner to benefit our patients.
4. Developing well-rounded, prepared, compassionate physicians who are capable of practicing in whatever setting they choose with the hope of retaining many of our trainees once they graduate to address the shortage of psychiatrists in Arizona. During the past five years (2022-2026) 12 of 23 residents have joined our department. Several of our graduates have achieved leadership positions including two as Medical Directors of the First Episode Centers, Inpatient Assistant Medical Director, and Medical Director of the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic.
5. Prioritizing wellness and decreased burnout. Specific wellness aspects discussed and highlighted are: our full day didactics, 2 resident retreats, feedback surveys, wellness surveys, program review and individual mentorship, protected time for therapy/medical appointments, 20 Paid Time Off (PTO) days, 10 sick days, opportunities for professional development through funding to attend national and/or local conferences, a food stipend and free parking. Wellness events like Tea-Time and group mentoring sessions function as wellness and mentoring events for residents and faculty. The residents meet on a weekly basis to discuss any concerns they have regarding the program whether it has to do with Quality Improvement issues or suggestions they have to improve any aspect of the program. They have multiple ways to express any concerns through this weekly meeting or more confidential means of a suggestion box. Creighton University provides residents with a confidential link through New Innovations that goes directly to our DIO/GME office for them to express any concerns.
6. Contributing to the field of psychiatry through scholarly activity. Our process regarding research projects that now include more structure in the PGY 2 year to encourage earlier completion of research projects. Additionally, more than one project is encouraged through invitations to participate in research committee meetings where current projects are discussed. Additionally, faculty are incentivized to participate more in scholarly activity through a bonus system.

Educate residents and fellows in a healthy, supportive learning environment that supports physician wellness. The Creighton Jesuit value of cura personalis (meaning, care for the whole person) will be paramount in our residency.