Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship
Detailed Information
The forensic psychiatric fellowship offered by Western Psychiatric Institute
and Clinic/University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (WPIC/UPMC) is a one year
PGY-5 program to prepare psychiatrists for a career in forensic psychiatry.
While the program offers a strong didactic curriculum including a course in
mental health law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, the depth and
range of the clinical experiences is its major strength. The opportunities for
civil and hospital based cases offered by UPMC and the university law clinics,
as well as the full range of criminal cases provided by the criminal court of
Allegheny County, combine to provide a rich and varied experience for the
fellow.
Didactic Program
The didactic material is presented in a yearlong seminar designed to cover a
core curriculum which includes topics relevant to the practice of forensic
psychiatry and for preparation of the examination for Additional Qualifications
in Forensic Psychiatry. A special seminar on the landmark cases, as well as the
course in Mental Health Law taught at the University of Pittsburgh Law School is
offered. Additionally, journal club and grand rounds are required. Mock trial
experience and videotaping opportunities is available.
Mayview State Hospital Forensic Unit
Mayview State Hospital houses a 70-bed forensic unit. It is one of only three
such units in the state of Pennsylvania, which assures a varied spectrum of
clinical cases. The patient population consists of both male and female
defendants who, for the most part, have not yet been adjudicated or sentenced.
The fellows are involved in assessing competency, dangerousness, and the right
to refuse treatment as well as the supervision and treatment of the mentally ill
offender and making presentencing recommendations. Report writing is an integral
part of the rotation. Fellows participate in treatment team meetings, and case
conferences including predischarge conferences.
Allegheny County Behavior Clinic
The Allegheny County Behavior Clinic is a court appointed diagnostic clinic
whose objective is to assist the judges and officers of the Criminal Court of
Allegheny County. As the second oldest diagnostic court clinic in the country,
the Behavior Clinic enjoys a long history and an excellent reputation. Because
of rules of court unique to Allegheny County, all defendants accused of homicide
as well as certain other specified crimes are required to undergo psychiatric
evaluation by the Behavior Clinic. This provides a depth and range of experience
not often available to trainees. Fellows are actively involved in assessment for
competency to stand trial, insanity defense, diminished capacity, and mitigating
factors. These issues include evaluation for malingering. Experience in
decertification evaluations, probation recommendations, and parole evaluations
is also provided. Proficiency at the review of legal documents and report
writing is developed. Testimony in court is an integral part of the rotation.
Intensive Treatment Program for the Mentally Ill Offender
Community Release of Offenders with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse (CROMISA)
and Mon Yough Forensic Outpatient Center, two of the sites,
which may be selected to fulfill the experience requirement in intensive
outpatient treatment for mentally ill offenders. The objective of the rotation
consists of experience at intensive case management, development of treatment
plans, assessment of dangerousness, and treatment of substance abuse, dual
diagnosis, and sexual offenders. The trainees are expected to follow two cases
in an intensive outpatient for at least six months. In general, the fellows are
expected to gain an appreciation of the problems of chronically mentally ill
offenders.
Juvenile Court of Allegheny County – Shuman Center
The rotation at Shuman Center provides fellows with experience in assessment
of juvenile offenders. Report writing is required. At times testimony in
juvenile court will be indicated. Opportunity for involvement in the treatment
of juvenile sexual offenders is also available.
Family Court of Allegheny County
The objective of the family court rotation is to provide the fellows with
experience in the assessment of child abuse and evaluation for the termination
of parental rights as well as child custody evaluations. Additionally, the
fellows will gain a familiarity with the policies and procedures of Children and
Youth Family Services. Report writing is an integral part of the rotation.
Testimony in court will be required as indicated.
Liaison/Geriatric Service
This rotation allows the fellow through consultation request, to develop
skills in evaluating medical competency, informed consent, the right to refuse
treatment, and ECT competency. Risk assessment for dangerousness in maintaining
a patient on the medical service versus the psychiatric service is also
developed.
Civil Forensic Issues
Civil cases are referred from many sources which assures the fellows of a
rich and varied experience including assessment for psychic damage, disability
determinations, diagnosis of PTSD, detection of malingering, evaluation for
workman’s compensation, and malpractice. Cases involving guardianship of the
estate and person and testamentary capacity are included. The fellows develop
proficiency in the review of legal documents and medical records, as well as
clear and accurate report writing. Testimony in court is involved when
indicated.
Research
The fellows are expected to be active participants in the teaching programs
for the psychiatric residents and medical students. Research is available either
through an original project or through participation in ongoing studies,
particularly those involving risk assessment for violence.
Electives
Electives are available in the treatment and assessment of sexual offenders
and at New Castle Youth Detention Center (YDC). Further opportunities exist in
criminal courts in outlying counties.
Time Distribution
- Mayview State Hospital Forensic Unit
10 hours per week, 12 months, Option 1
10 hours per week, 8 months, Option 2
Supervision: 1 to 2 hours per week
- Allegheny County Behavior Clinic
4 hours per week plus 1.5 hours per month staffing, 12 months
Supervision: 1 hour per week
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program
4 hours per week, 12 months
2 cases to be followed for 6 months or more
Supervision: 1 hour per week
- Juvenile Court
4 hours per week, 3 months
Supervision: 1 hour per week
- Family Court
2 to 4 hours per week, 3 months
Supervision: 2 hours per month
- Liaison/Geriatric Service
2 hours per week, 12 months
Supervision: 2 hours per month
- Civil Forensic Issues
4 to 8 hours per week, 12 months
Supervision: 1 to 2 hours per week
Faculty
Christine A. Martone, M.D.
Program Director of Forensic Fellowship UPMC/WPIC
Director of Allegheny County Behavior Clinic
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Loren Roth, M.D.
Associate Program Director
Senior Vice-President, Medical Services, UPMC Health System
Associate Senior Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
Professor of Psychiatry School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
Professor of Health Services Administration, Graduate School of Public Health,
University of Pittsburgh
At least four of the supervisors have certification in forensic psychiatry; one
has addiction certification. The faculty includes two board certified child
psychiatrists, two board certified geriatric psychiatrists, three attorneys, one
judge, research and forensic psychologists, therapists experienced with sexual
offenders, and social workers. Additionally, the resources of the professional
and academic staff of WPIC are available for individual specific issues.
Stipend
$41,157 per annum
Fringe benefits include travel and fees for the annual meeting of the AAPL and
enrollment for the Forensic Board Review Course.
Accreditation
Accredited.
Qualifications
Applicants must have completed a four-year residency in adult or child
psychiatry. Applicants must be ABPN board eligible. They should also be eligible
to obtain a medical license in the state of Pennsylvania.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by February 15 accompanied by a CV and three letters of
recommendation including one from the chairman of the department of psychiatry
where a residency was completed. Inquiries and applications should be directed
to:
Christine Martone, M.D.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
3811 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593
Phone: (412) 624-4668
FAX: (412) 625-0223
Email: martoneca@msx.upmc.edu
|
