By Jason Burton, MD
Chief Resident
VCU Psychiatry PGY-4
As we come to the end of another remarkable year at VCU, it is with great pleasure and pride that we reflect upon the achievements and growth of our psychiatry residency program in 2023.
Our residents continue to be the lifeblood of our program. We have a diverse and talented group of individuals who work together as more than a cohesive group, it is a family. The growth and development of our residents have been truly outstanding. They have engaged in a wide range of clinical experiences, research projects, and community outreach activities. From collecting food for those in need, to presenting at national conferences, our residents are contributing to advancements in psychiatry while having a profound impact on our patients.
Maintaining the well-being of our residents was a top priority in 2023. We expanded our wellness activities over the year. Our wellness committee did an outstanding job helping the residents cope with the challenges of a demanding career. We have monthly activities that have included yoga, meditation, nutrition advising, and other initiatives aimed at combating burnout.
Cultural competency is essential to psychiatry. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that will enrich our learning experience and help us better care for the diverse patient population we serve. To emphasize these points, we have developed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee to continue expanding our education. We want to continue preparing residents who will provide effective and sensitive treatment to a wide range of patients.
We have continued to press forward and adapt to the quickly changing landscape of psychiatry and medicine. Telepsychiatry and digital health tools have allowed us to continue to provide highly accessible care and reach underserved populations. Through telepsychiatry, our residents have gained experience in emergency consults, inpatient hospital consults, outpatient visits, and therapy. Additionally, we have continued to expand innovative therapies, such as neuromodulation and proactive approaches to psychiatry, that have shown promising results in our patient population.
In conclusion, the year 2023 has been marked by growth, resilience, and dedication. Our program has shown that in challenging times, our commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement remains unwavering. We are proud of our achievements and look forward to even more success and progress next year. On behalf of our residents, thank you to our VCU faculty, staff, and community for their continued support.
