Message from the Director

Thank you for your interest in the Research Track Psychiatry Residency Program at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

This is an amazing historical moment to be involved in psychiatric research. The countless recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of mental illnesses, allied with the development of novel therapeutic approaches and the rescue of humanistic aspects of psychiatric care, has turned the fascinating field of psychiatry into an amalgam of different areas of knowledge, with the ultimate goal of health and well-being of patients. Our research track program reflects this multifaceted approach to mental illness, and we pride ourselves on our culture of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Created in 2012, our research track program offers a special opportunity for residents interested in developing research careers in academic psychiatry. Through didactic activities, research projects and mentorship, the track is designed to provide residents in-depth opportunities for training in mental health research and academic career development.

Residents who join the research track are provided with the opportunity to pursue basic science, translational and clinical research interests throughout residency training, while fulfilling the ACGME requirements for general psychiatry residency training. Our program offers protected research time throughout residency as well as flexible and personalized rotation curriculum to integrate research and clinical training. Research Track residents receive personalized mentorship from our own faculty members who are at the forefront of clinical psychiatry and neuroscience, with different backgrounds and research interests. In addition, Career Development and Research Excellence (CaDRE) in psychiatry program provides guidance on mentorship, grantsmanship, research ethics and career development.

The research track combines clinical, research, and didactic activities over a period of four years. Upon completion of the program, our graduates are fully prepared to start their careers as junior faculty members and to continue to pursue research activities in academia or other settings of interest.

Anilkumar Pillai, PhD