Integrative Psychiatry Programs
We provide two distinct offerings to train physicians:
- Integrative Medicine in Psychiatry Program for enrolled residents/fellows at the University of Arizona
- Virtual Elective for medical school graduates, residents and fellows nationally and internationally.
Learn more in the sections below!
The Integrative Psychiatry Program is available to residents and fellows enrolled in our programs. It includes a mind-body medicine skills group in PGY-1 year, and a didactic series integrated into the general residency curriculum in the PGY-2 and PGY-3 year, as well as optional access to the Integrative Medicine in Residency Online Curriculum, and a clinical elective in PGY-4 year.
The Integrative Medicine in Residency Online Curriculum is an optional 100-hour competency-based program created by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine that aligns with ACGME guidelines and equips psychiatrists with skills to address the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses and stress-related disorders. This asynchronous offering blends online learning with experiential activities. Upon completion, participants receive a certification of completion co-sponsored by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry.
| PGY Year | ONLINE ACCESS | DIDACTICS/EXPERIENTIAL |
|---|---|---|
| PGY-1 | N/A | Mind-Body Skills Group (20 hours) |
| PGY-2 | N/A | 10 hours of didactics |
| PGY-3 | Optional: Integrative Medicine in Residency Online Curriculum through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine; 100 hours | 5-10 hours of didactics |
| PGY-4 | Optional: Integrative Medicine in Residency Online Curriculum through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine; 100 hours | Case supervision and mentoring on scholarly projects upon request. |
In collaboration with the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM), the University of Arizona Psychiatry Department created a virtual integrative psychiatry elective offered worldwide to medical school graduates, residents and fellows.
Overview
The Integrative Psychiatry Virtual Elective consists of the following:
- The Integrative Medicine in Residency Online Curriculum is an 100-hour competency-based program created by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine that aligns with ACGME guidelines and equips psychiatrists with skills to address the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses and stress-related disorders. This asynchronous offering blends online learning with experiential activities. Upon completion, participants receive a certification of completion co-sponsored by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry.
- Optional access to virtual didactics (live and recorded), case conferences, networking with other learners, as well as mentorship in integrative psychiatry, annual resident leadership conference sponsored by AWCIM
Goals
- To introduce the learner to the field of evidence-based integrative medicine as it relates to mental health
- To raise awareness about the importance of physician health and well-being
- To incorporate one’s emerging knowledge of integrative medicine into the clinical setting
Example Topics Covered
Mind-body medicine, nutrition, gut-brain connection, sleep health, traditional Asian medicine, Ayurveda, botanicals, broad-spectrum micronutrients and use of nutraceuticals
Length of Virtual Observership
The time commitment is typically one year and can be tailored to learner needs and availability. Shorter or longer length electives may be considered upon request.
Course Description
Review the course description document on this PDF.
Eligibility
The candidate must have completed medical school (U.S. or international) or be enrolled in a psychiatry residency or fellowship program (U.S. or international).
Cost
The total cost of the Integrative Psychiatry Virtual Elective is $3,000.
Application Requirements
- Letter of interest (1-2 pages)
- One letter of recommendation from faculty
- Application (PDF provided)
Download the application:
Send to:
Program Director Noshene Ranjbar, MD, at noshene@arizona.edu
Program Coordinator Madelyn Ferguson at madelynferguson@arizona.edu
Join Us
Our monthly Zoom meetings are designed for medical students, residents and attendings interested in integrative psychiatry.
Email madelynferguson@arizona.edu to receive these invitations.
Select presentations by our residents, fellows and faculty are available:
Connect with our Facebook group!
- This group is for medical students, psychiatry residents/fellows and psychiatrists to share learning and questions regarding integrative medicine as it applies to mental health.
Websites
From Our Residents
The mind-body experience will likely be one of the most memorable experiences from my PGY-1 year. I still use the skills I learned during that course on a daily basis. I got to know my colleagues so well through sharing our experiences and I got to know myself better too. Having that time to reflect and work on mind body skills each week was a privilege!
I've used mind-body skills such as guided imagery meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness practices with patients as well as recommending multiple different supplements such as L theanine, Mg, BSM, SAME, rhodiola that I've learned about in the curriculum.
From Our Virtual Elective Participants
The case discussions have been most helpful. Having my questions from the reading answered and thinking about how the information would fit into real life cases; the elective inspired me to join a course about mind-body practices so I can better incorporate this into my personal life. I think this is very valuable information. I think it opens your mind up to think critically about all possible treatment options and understand how to better engage with patients who might prefer alternative non-Western medicine approaches. My colleagues will ask me questions about certain supplements their patients ask about because they know I have an interest in this area.
I am grateful for the education that I have received from the lecture and video material. Even more incredible than that are the faculty that I have been privileged enough to learn from. Everyone in the program has been so gracious with their time and experience. As a result, I have been able to change the way that I approach seeing my patients. My framework for evaluating patients has dramatically increased in scope and I now can obtain a more holistic and comprehensive evaluation for patients. My treatment plan for patients now includes stronger engagement in religious groups, volunteering with local causes, exercise and diet changes, supplements, and more—all interventions that I had little confidence in employing previously. Having built this strong foundation through this program will prepare me to continue learning and expanding my knowledge to give patients the best care possible.
Team
Associate Director
Coordinator
Contact Us
Madelyn Ferguson
Program Coordinator
madelynferguson@arizona.edu