Forensic Psychiatry 2025-2026 Cycle

[futureforensic14]

Hi!
I am a PGY3 applying to forensics for the 2025-2026 cycle. Per the AAPL time line programs could begin reviewing and offering interviews 5/1/24. I was wondering if anyone had been receiving interviews from non-home programs yet, or any insight into how long to wait before sending interest emails. And advice or info is appreciated, thanks!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[randomforensic]

I started a thread last week for the application cycle. Someone who recently went through the application process said most programs don't start offering interviews until late July or August but I think the timeline has been changing year to year. For example, I think all the dates are earlier this year compared to the most recent cycle.

 

[futureforensicdoc]

Hi!
I am a PGY3 applying to forensics for the 2025-2026 cycle. Per the AAPL time line programs could begin reviewing and offering interviews 5/1/24. I was wondering if anyone had been receiving interviews from non-home programs yet, or any insight into how long to wait before sending interest emails. And advice or info is appreciated, thanks!!

I heard from 2 programs already. Still haven't heard anything from the others. You aren't alone.

 

[rozhong]

Hi, just wanted to let everyone in this thread know about a new forensic psychiatry fellowship opportunity at the University of Texas Medical Branch (also posted in the application cycle thread linked two posts above). I am the program director, and we are accepting applications for a fellow starting 7/1/25. We think it will be a strong fellowship, with lots of opportunities to do forensic evaluations, engage in scholarship, and network with lawyers and courts. Also, we have a unique partnership with NASA Johnson Space Center, and there is a substantial aviation and aerospace component. A more detailed posting is below, and our website is UTMB Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program:

The University of Texas Medical Branch (Greater Galveston and Houston region) is excited to announce a new Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry. We are currently seeking a fellow for the 2025-2026 (start date 7/1/25) academic year. This ACGME-accredited one-year fellowship is an exciting chance to gain subspecialty training in psychiatry and law. The position is open to candidates who will have completed general psychiatry residency by the start of fellowship. The fellowship will be a comprehensive training program that incorporates academic, correctional, community, administrative, and governmental settings. UTMB offers a diverse range of clinical forensic experiences, a robust research program, and strong collaborations with the University of Houston Law Center, NASA, and the Texas prison system. Fellows will have unique opportunities to become proficient in aerospace psychiatry, legal scholarship, and research in forensic and correctional psychiatry.

- Fellows will rotate approximately two days per week on the UTMB Forensic Service, where they will provide forensic evaluation and consultation to local courts and attorneys. Fellows should expect to complete approximately 20-25 competence to stand trial evaluations and 10-15 non-competency evaluations (insanity, sentencing mitigation, fitness for duty, asylum, guardianship, testamentary capacity, personal injury, malpractice, etc.) over the course of the year, testifying as needed.
- Fellows will rotate one day per week in the Texas prison system, where they will join medical leadership to evaluating, developing, and improving mental health policy and programming in the prison system. Notably, although fellows will provide some direct patient care in the correctional setting, this is not the focus of the rotation.
- Fellows will rotate one day per week in Harris County Jail, where they will provide jail-based competency restoration treatment.
- Fellows will rotate full-time for one month at NASA Johnson Space Center (the site of mission control and astronaut training), where they will join NASA's prestigious Aerospace Medicine Clerkship. They will tour NASA facilities, receive training about the science, medicine, and mental health considerations involved in human spaceflight, and be mentored by NASA aerospace forensic psychiatrists. Fellows will participate in fitness for duty assessments for NASA and the FAA. Additional experiences in aerospace and aviation are available as well.
- Fellows will have didactic sessions totaling approximately one day per week, including lectures, case seminars, and Landmark Cases. Fellows will prepare for and testify at a mock trial. They will attend the Forensic Board Review Course at the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Annual Meeting (Boston, Oct 2025) and may attend one other conference.
- Additional experiences and mentorship are available for child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Interested candidates should contact Rocksheng Zhong, MD, MHS (Fellowship Training Director): [email protected], 409-266-5253.

 

[nola2811]

I was rather late in game with my applications submitted on July 1st. Thankfully I've already heard back from several programs. I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how my being relatively late might impact interview offers, and how I might be able to mitigate this? I appreciate any advice and wish everyone the best of luck!

 

[futureforensicdoc]

I was rather late in game with my applications submitted on July 1st. Thankfully I've already heard back from several programs. I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how my being relatively late might impact interview offers, and how I might be able to mitigate this? I appreciate any advice and wish everyone the best of luck!

I've heard that reaching out to your top programs and reinforcing interest could be helpful in obtaining an interview. Best of luck this cycle!

 

[nola2811]

I've heard that reaching out to your top programs and reinforcing interest could be helpful in obtaining an interview. Best of luck this cycle!

Thanks for your input!

I was also wondering if anyone had thoughts about whether or not it would be worth going to AAPL this Fall. Obviously most positions will already be offered/filled by then, but might it still be beneficial for networking purposes? Just a bit wary of the cost.

 

[futureforensicdoc]

I would definitely recommend AAPL. I think it's not only a great networking opportunity with program directors, but ive met many great residents who are now fellows. The talks are pretty great too! If cost is an issue, don't feel pressured of course. It's not a make/break it, as I think offers are made before the conference. I would still highly recommend