NEWS
West Virginia University School of Medicine
WVU Rural Psychiatry Residency Track Receives Full ACGME Accreditation
West Virginia University ’ s Rural Track in the psychiatry residency program has received Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ( ACGME ) accreditation , making it one of only four programs in the country to receive the distinction .
The residency launched to expand its capacity for treating psychiatric patients in North Central West Virginia , and leaders say having the accreditation could result in better access to trained physicians in rural communities .
The ACGME is the accrediting body for all graduate medical training programs for physicians in the United States . The residency program is made possible , in part , by ACGME ’ s medically underserved areas and populations program policy changes and resources surrounding Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ) programs .
West Virginia leads the nation in overdose rates and has the eighth highest rate of suicide in the country , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Fifty of West Virginia ’ s 55 counties are deemed mental health shortage areas by the HRSA . The program , which began recruiting in 2021 , places residents primarily in Harrison County , which is identified as a Health Professional Shortage Area .
The rural residency training track uses a combination of in-person and telehealth / telepsychiatry treatment modalities to connect residents with their patients . Luke Stover , MD , psychiatry resident and West Virginia native , said the program is a good step toward helping with a severe shortage of psychiatry providers . He said that some patients wait up to a year to find a therapist , and often times their medications are managed by a primary care provider .
“ By the time a patient makes it to an appointment with us , they have likely been dealing with their issue for years ,” Stover said . “ Finding the right care for the patient can take time , meaning that even once they reach a psychiatrist , we still need to develop a plan that will accommodate our patients so that they can easily follow up . It ’ s patient-focused treatment that addresses medical and social issues so that they can see continued progress .”
Daniel Elswick , MD , Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry vice chair for education and psychiatry residency director , said one of the most significant lessons trainees learn on these rotations is the reminder of their patients ’ many barriers to care .
“ It doesn ’ t look far on a map when you ’ re looking at travel from these areas to Morgantown ; it ’ s maybe a 30-mile trip ,” Elswick , who is a professor in the department , said . “ But when talking about gas money or transportation costs for someone on a limited income , those 30 miles can feel insurmountable . This patient-focused program teaches compassion , empathy , and creative ways
30 • www . wvsma . org