Implementation of the AAMC's Holistic Review Model for Psychiatry Resident Recruitment.

Introduction: In psychiatry, several converging factors are impacting the recruitment of residents: the increased competitiveness of the specialty, the national trend to take active steps to improve diversity and inclusion, and the decision from USMLE to change Step 1 to a pass/fail result. Methods: We developed a workshop for psychiatry residency program directors to meet these challenges and transition into using a holistic review model during recruitment. The workshop included (1) a didactic session providing background on the AAMC holistic review model; (2) a small-group exercise to determine and prioritize experiences, attributes, competencies, and metrics (EACMs) aligned with the program's mission and aims; (3) a review of the rankings from the previous exercise, selection of two "very important" criteria for each of the four domains of the EACM model, and operationalization of these criteria based on the recruitment process; and (4) a discussion focused on application of program criteria with example applicants. Results: The holistic review workshop was conducted at the American Association of Psychiatry Residency Directors conference in 2021 with 48 self-selected attendees. Following the workshop, 74% of attendees reported a likelihood of implementing holistic applications during their next application cycle, 78% were able to leave with at least one actionable item, 100% thought that the session was interactive, and 78% felt that the session met their expectations. Discussion: Implementing a holistic review for psychiatry residency recruitment can assist programs in responding to the rapidly changing landscape and achieve aims for improving diversity and inclusion.

Integrated Care: Should It Count as Community Psychiatry Training for Psychiatry Residents?

Psychiatry residents are required to be exposed to community psychiatry. Historically, this occurred in public hospitals or assertive community treatment (ACT) teams. A new model of psychiatric care delivery, integrated care, has become prevalent. While integrated care shares some features with traditional community psychiatry rotations, no research exists to demonstrate if integrated care rotations can accomplish the aims of traditional rotations. This pilot study compared learning outcomes in ACT team rotations versus integrated care rotations. Pre- and post-rotation surveys were disseminated to third-year psychiatry residents (N = 8) who were randomized to complete a rotation with an ACT team or an integrated care team. By rotation end, many in both settings changed how conservative they were in treatment philosophies, but this did not result in a difference between groups. Residents in both groups were satisfied with their rotations. Training in integrated care may be a reasonable alternative to traditional community psychiatry rotations.