Biology

[Neurotica]

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In talking with various psych advisors and professors, they've been telling me some of the residency programs are very heavy on biology. As I'm looking more for a good balance of biology and therapy, I was wondering if some of you might be able to share (from experience or hearsay) which programs are "biology-heavy." I've been looking at the various residency websites and scutwork.com, but I can't say it's all that apparent from that. Any programs that are known specifically for emphasizing this?

 

[Neurotica]

no one can shed any light on this?

 

[maranatha]

no one can shed any light on this?

I'm a 4th-year applying myself, so this is only hearsay. But since you're not getting any responses from those with more experience....Some of the progrms that I've heard are biologically based are Hopkins and U. of Washington. Someone also told me that UCLA is, but i'm not sure about that. In GENERAL, the East and West Coast programs tend to offer more opportunities for psychotherapy and the mid-west programs tend to be more biologically based. However, I'm applying to some mid-west programs that have strong CBT training (something i'm very interested in)...Sorry I can't offer more; but i hope this helps!

 

[Neurotica]

Thanks maranatha. CBT is definitely something I'll be looking for in a program as well. I just want to be balanced all around, and not heavily weighted on the bio. Hopefully the interviews will reveal more.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

In talking with various psych advisors and professors, they've been telling me some of the residency programs are very heavy on biology. As I'm looking more for a good balance of biology and therapy, I was wondering if some of you might be able to share (from experience or hearsay) which programs are "biology-heavy." I've been looking at the various residency websites and scutwork.com, but I can't say it's all that apparent from that. Any programs that are known specifically for emphasizing this?

This is a bit of a dated and false dichotomy. First off, you've GOT to know the biology for the Boards. There is no program that is not at least that biological. Second, the RRC requires that residencies train residents to "competency" in several therapeutic modalities. This makes for a good interview question when you're in with the PD--"How does your program ensure that residents are competent in ________ therapy?" Finally, when you're in clinical practice, you just don't care--you look at the patient and ask yourself "How am I going to help this person sleep/reduce suicidal urges/overcome their paranoia and hallucinations/be able to hold down a job and live independently?" Your strategy is always going to draw on your full range of knowledge.