Exploring Pathways to Success in Psychiatry Residency: A Medical Student’ s Insights from the Black Psychiatrists of America Spring 2024 Conference
By Jahmil Lacey, MS4 at the UCLA / Charles R. Drew Medical Program
I
recently had the privilege of attending the Black Psychiatrists of America Spring 2024 conference in Los Angeles. The theme,“ Exploring the Nexus of Community and Mental Health: Space, Place, and Identity,” provided a rich platform for Psychiatrists, trainees, researchers, and mental health advocates from across the country to collectively discuss crucial and emerging topics in the field.
Among the many insightful sessions, the one that particularly resonated with me given my interest in applying to Psychiatry residency programs this Fall was the“ Academic Success Panel: How to Match, Stay in Residency, and Get into Fellowship.” Led by Dr. Danielle Hairston( Howard University) and featuring esteemed Psychiatry faculty Dr. Dan Cho, Dr. Amy Woods, and Dr. Jason Barrett- each representing Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. The session was designed to help guide medical students on their journey of entering a field that is increasingly involving and becoming more competitive.
As someone who is actively rummaging the internet for tips and tricks to prepare for the upcoming cycle, I came to the BPA Conference eager to learn more about the residency application process and excited to meet peers and mentors who were similarly eager to help me navigate a seemingly labyrinthine process. At this stage of my training, I have a clear idea of the impact I want to have as a psychiatrist, and yet, I have been less clear about how to assess residency programs for things that can be difficult to gauge from a website such as quality of training, commitment to diversity and equity, and overall program fit. With application season being just around the corner, the timing of the panel could not have been more on the money.
A major theme of the discussion highlighted the importance of applying to residency programs that articulate a mission and value system that are in alignment with our goals. A sequence of questions posed to the audience by Dr. Woods challenged us to think about the application process as bidirectional, and to ask ourselves,“ How will this program help me?” and“ In what ways can my skills and experiences help advance the mission and goals of the program?” I found myself vigorously scribbling words and phrases on my notepad that characterize what I want to get out of residency training.
More candidly, the conversation provoked a vigilant reappraisal of my own values, intentions, and purpose as it relates to personal and professional growth such as commitment to equity and justice, leadership, Jahmil Lacey diversity of colleagues and patient population, and psychological safety. These have emerged as critical considerations for me in determining the type of environment that would help me thrive as a trainee over the next 3-5 years. Each panelist shared practical tips for deepening our analysis of“ fit” and“ culture” including virtual open house events, attending conferences, and connecting with current and past residents. Additionally, we were schooled on the significance of asking thoughtful questions about the“ hidden” features of residency programs, such as work-life balance and collegiality among residents and attendings.
With respect to crafting a quality application and standing out during the application process, panelists unanimously agreed on the pivotal role of the personal statement – each urging us to convey our motivations, experiences, and goals as authentically as possible. Dr. Cho’ s words,“ Don’ t fake it, you are enough!” resonated widely, reminding all of us of the power of authenticity as a virtue in the pursuit of our goals. As a Black medical student, authenticity can sometimes feel unnerving and unsafe owing to the macro-and micro-aggressions that frequently permeate the academic and professional settings where trainees of color find themselves situated. It is not uncommon for our personalities, communication style, mannerisms, dress style, or how we choose to wear our hair to routinely be misappropriated and labeled unprofessional.
More often than not, these kinds of microaggressions trigger a conscious“ muting” of self for the sake of self-preservation, approval, and permanence. Dr. Cho’ s point served as an uplifting reminder for us to seek environments that feel authentic and that provide a culture that encourages us to show up as our complete selves.
Overall, the conversation left me with important ideas, insights, and questions to ruminate on over the next few months in preparation for the upcoming application cycle. As I reflect on the practical guidance shared throughout the conference more broadly, I feel inspired and equipped to embark on this journey with more confidence and purpose.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 45