Congratulations! You've almost made it to interview season and you've chosen a great specialty in psychiatry. Even now, as a fourth year resident, I still fondly remember the excitement and challenge of choosing the right program. I'm hoping that my perspective as a resident at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I've had an exceptional experience, can help you find the right program as well.
Over the past few years, I've really seen us solidify ourselves as a well-rounded academic program. Perhaps more importantly, unlike many 'traditional' academic programs, we've maintained exceptional community-based experiences, great work/life balance, and a supportive, friendly, and casual culture. Compared to smaller 'community' programs, we have awesome facilities, easy access to research faculty (but no requirement to engage in formal research), robust didactics, and an environment of intellectual curiosity. Also, despite our relatively large size (12 residents/year) we're still a very personable, cohesive, and sociable group.
Tucson itself is also a hidden gem. We have big city amenities and a strong university presence while maintaining accessibility and a low cost of living. With 350+ days of sunshine per year there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the eclectic social scene, globally recognized gastronomy, and abundant outdoor recreation. If you get the chance, plan to spend some extra time here to hike Mt. Lemmon or Sabino Canyon, grab a bite to eat downtown or a drink at one of our many breweries, or just enjoy the great winter weather.
If that doesn't say enough, I've enjoyed the program, the people, and the place so much that I'm planning to stay on us faculty after I graduate this year. The University of Arizona and Tucson have just been a great fit for me. I hope you'll consider visiting us to decide if we're the right fit for you too. For more details about the program, check out the link to our official website below. Hope to see you during interview season!
- Derek
UA Psychiatry Residency Program | The Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona Health Sciences
Over the past few years, I've really seen us solidify ourselves as a well-rounded academic program. Perhaps more importantly, unlike many 'traditional' academic programs, we've maintained exceptional community-based experiences, great work/life balance, and a supportive, friendly, and casual culture. Compared to smaller 'community' programs, we have awesome facilities, easy access to research faculty (but no requirement to engage in formal research), robust didactics, and an environment of intellectual curiosity. Also, despite our relatively large size (12 residents/year) we're still a very personable, cohesive, and sociable group.
Tucson itself is also a hidden gem. We have big city amenities and a strong university presence while maintaining accessibility and a low cost of living. With 350+ days of sunshine per year there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the eclectic social scene, globally recognized gastronomy, and abundant outdoor recreation. If you get the chance, plan to spend some extra time here to hike Mt. Lemmon or Sabino Canyon, grab a bite to eat downtown or a drink at one of our many breweries, or just enjoy the great winter weather.
If that doesn't say enough, I've enjoyed the program, the people, and the place so much that I'm planning to stay on us faculty after I graduate this year. The University of Arizona and Tucson have just been a great fit for me. I hope you'll consider visiting us to decide if we're the right fit for you too. For more details about the program, check out the link to our official website below. Hope to see you during interview season!
- Derek
UA Psychiatry Residency Program | The Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona Health Sciences
Last edited:
