We have a one-month, no-service rotation at UConn Health Center where residents are trained in and exposed to a variety of important modalities. We call it the JDH Special and it covers 1) Basic Interviewing Techniques; 2) Neuropsychological Testing; 3) Use of Rating Scales and Treatment Algorithms; 4) Structured Diagnostic Interviewing (SCID); 5) Functional imaging; 6) Group Therapy Training. There is no call during this rotation.

Residents have, in addition to conventional supervisors, an assigned Faculty Mentor throughout all years of training. This mentor serves as an advisor and colleague for many issues which arise throughout the life of a trainee. It also establishes an important value in the program, i.e. maximizing faculty – trainee contact.

Another example of innovation is a research requirement beginning in the first year of training. Based upon hearing the research interests of our faculty, sometime in the first year, residents will decide which of the major groups they want to work with throughout their training, and begin by the beginning of the second year, to engage in a research project. The results of resident’s projects will be presented in poster format during the Department’s Annual Research Day.

One month is allotted in the second year for residents to focus on research with reduced clinical responsibility. This allows for further development of the resident's research plan in preparation for execution of the research project in the third and fourth year of training.

We have also initiated a Research Training Track for residents with strong backgrounds in research who are committed to a career in research. We are also now offering a specialized training track in Public and Community psychiatry. Residents in these specialized training focus tracks will be presented with opportunities to spend additional time working in their field of choice during the first and second years of training. Residents will likely be able to integrate selective rotations in their field of choice into their regular schedule.

Some further innovations include Social Intervention Projects, and Community Projects, which present opportunities for residents to join faculty and community advocates in making a difference directly in the community.

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THE TRAINING MODEL