Our program is designed to train scientifically and structurally competent general psychiatrists who have comfort in a wide variety of practice situations and who feel personal responsibility for the healthcare system in which they work. Our approach utilizes a vertically integrated system where patients have continuity of care, and residents, faculty, and staff work in multidisciplinary teams through all phases of illness. Trainees have longitudinal responsibility for their patients, providing for a rich opportunity in psychiatric education.  From the earliest days of training, residents also have the flexibility and encouragement to build upon their own special interests and talents. At Harbor, the approach is a “hands-on” one, and residents have extensive opportunities for clinical experiences and advocacy in one of the most diverse cities in the region.

We are committed to training and building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints.  Our program aims to equip our trainees to provide high-quality, inclusive, and culturally competent mental health care to marginalized populations.  As a safety net hospital in Los Angeles County, we serve predominantly low-income patients who face pervasive inequities in and out of the healthcare system and understand the importance of considering these inequities on the physical and mental health of our patients.   We strive to training individuals who reflect our population and aim to provide continuous support and mentorship throughout the training process.  Harbor-UCLA Psychiatry welcomes applicants from an array of backgrounds and holistically reviews resident program applications.  We regularly evaluate for bias in our process.

Selections for first-year resident positions are made through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).  All applications to our program are accepted and managed through ERAS.  Virtual interviews are conducted.  Requirements in addition to ERAS:

• At least three letters of recommendation
• Dean’s letter
• Personal statement
• Transcripts
• No minimum scores (Steps I and II) required

The requirements for IMG are those noted above.

Questions regarding our program should be directed to:

Michelle Tawa, M.D., Residency Program Director

mitawa@dmh.lacounty.gov

Catherine Bustamante, Residency Program Manager

cbustamante@dhs.lacounty.gov