Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residency Program
The Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residency Program at the University of Alberta received accreditation from the Royal College in September 2015. This is a two-year program with two funded positions available annually. During the PGY-5 year, residents meet the requirements of the General Psychiatry Program and the Subspecialty Program at the same time. The PGY-6 year is exclusively Subspecialty training and prepares residents for transition to fully independent practice.
Geriatric Psychiatry in Edmonton is an extensive well-organized program. It consists of 150 inpatient beds at Villa Caritas Hospital, a designated mental health facility for seniors with moderate to severe psychiatric illness, and 22 inpatient beds at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for patients with mild to moderate psychiatric illness. Consultation services are provided for two general hospitals and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. There is a well-developed outpatient program, which incorporates community outreach. Consultation is also provided to Long Term Care Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities by the Continuing Care Psychiatric Consultation Service (CCPCS). Rural clinics and telepsychiatry consultations are in the process of being developed. Clinical attachments in allied disciplines are provided, including geriatric medicine, neurology, bioethics and capacity, and palliative care. The program has 11 psychiatrists practicing full-time in Geriatric Psychiatry.