A Day in the Life: PGY-1
Ali A. Farooqui, M.D
The PGY-1 year in psychiatry serves as an introduction to the specialty and to medicine in general. Our program has been conscientiously structured to provide
incoming residents with a firm foundation in general medicine and the clinical neurosciences. As such, the year is divided into 6 months of psychiatric rotations, 2 months of Neurology, 2 months of Internal Medicine, a month in Emergency Medicine, and a month in Pediatrics. This allows our residents to be well equipped to manage and treat the varied pathology that we will be exposed to at the University of Louisville’s diverse academic environment.
The year starts with a rotation in Psychiatry. I personally rotated at the University Hospital’s Inpatient Psychiatry ward, which was a rewarding educational experience. The medical treatment team consists of an attending, a PGY-4 resident, and either three PGY-1s or two PGY-2s. Each day begins with the residents pre-rounding on their respective patients, reviewing patient’s charts for any overnight events, and seeing any new admissions to the unit. Table rounds begin at 9 am, with the entire treatment team, which includes the clinical staff, social work, nurse managers, therapists, and other support staff. This allows residents to be informed and involved in all aspects of a patient’s care, and in the process we learn systems based practice. Following table rounds we begin formal teaching rounds with the attending physician; and the day culminates with residents following up on notes, orders, and general daily patient care.
In addition to the responsibilities of each specific rotation, our program emphasizes didactic education and professional development. As such, we attend weekly lectures with our fellow residents and a weekly academic hour with the entire department. The topics of discussion range from current research, to psychiatry board review. In addition, we cover one or two weekend shifts in the Emergency Psychiatry Service. This unique opportunity allows us to be introduced to patients with the highest level of clinical acuity early in our training. Overall, our program is designed to train well-rounded psychiatrists that can comfortably practice in today's ever-changing medical and mental health landscape.
When not in the hospital, the residents in our program enjoy an active social life and soak everything that Louisville has to offer. Whether it is sports, rock climbing, musical concerts and festivals, hiking, culture, arts, theater, or cuisine; Louisville has everything and our residents and faculty are involved in every imaginable social and community activity. We have a wonderful work-life balance, and are given the opportunities and support to develop personally, professionally, and academically.
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