Non-University Psychiatry Residency Programs - What are the cons?

[IlovePI]

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Greetings everyone,

I am trying to figure out exactly what it means for a Psychiatrist's future if they choose to a Non-University Residency Program(NURP) such as St. Elizabeth's in Washington D.C.?

It seems as though residents from NURPs are still able to get the fellowships they want and they finish residency being at least as competent if not more competent than residents at University Residency Programs. I feel like I am missing something and there must be some negative aspects of choosing to attend a NURP?

Any and all knowledge or opinions are welcome! I need all the help I can get in making sure I am picking a program that is right for me and won't hinder me in the future. Thank you all in advance!

 

[peppy]

Some of the things I could see being downsides to a community program : Less prestige, probably fewer opportunities for research, less access to subspecialists. If the community residency is tied to a small hospital, your experience on consults (psychosomatic medicine) might not include as many interesting zebras as you'd get to see at a large university hospital.
Fellowships in psych are generally not very competitive so I expect you'd probably still be able to get the fellowship you want. Psychiatrists in general are in demand so I am sure you'd find a job afterwards.

 

[notdeadyet]

I'd also look to ensure that the program qualifies for Income Based Repayment.

 

[st2205]

I'd also look to ensure that the program qualifies for Income Based Repayment.

First time I've heard this. Never would have thought otherwise. How do you find out?

 

[st2205]

Also, would this be specifically stand-alone programs (i.e. Some Town Regional Hospital Psychiatry Program) or include the same kind of programs with university affiliation?

 

[diagonal]

All programs qualify for IBR, but only 5013c's qualify for the 10yr IBR. A 5013c is the IRS designation for a non-profit.

 

[digitlnoize]

They don't mean IBR. They mean PSLF.

 

[notdeadyet]

Diagonal and digitlnoize are correct. I meant PSLF, not IBR. Apologies...

 

[IlovePI]

Sounds like solid advice. Thanks everyone for the quick responses.

If you happen to think of anything else, please let me know.