About the Program
Location Context
The Global and Rural Psychiatry Track is based in the Paso del Norte region, a culturally and geographically unique area where Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico meet. This location offers:
- Bilingual and Binational Opportunities: The region boasts the largest bilingual and binational workforce in the Western Hemisphere, providing unmatched exposure to diverse populations.
- Native American Communities: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, one of Texas's federally recognized Native American tribes, is located nearby, offering opportunities for culturally significant psychiatric care.
- Military and Refugee Populations: A strong federal and military presence hosts individuals from diverse global backgrounds, including refugees, adding depth to fellows' clinical experience.
Curriculum Highlights
The program integrates hands-on clinical care, research, and advocacy work tailored to rural and underserved populations. Fellows participate in:
- Continuity Care
- At the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tigua Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, providing culturally informed care.
- Telemedicine Projects
- Address rural health disparities through Rural Telemedicine for Youth (RTY) and Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) initiatives.
- Specialized Training
- Conduct political asylum evaluations under faculty supervision.
- Gain insights into global mental health topics through journal clubs and research seminars.
- Conferences and Presentations
- Attend the Texas Tech Health El Paso Cultural Competency Conference annually.
- Present scholarly or community projects at conferences or for publication.
Research and Scholarly Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to pursue projects that advance global and rural psychiatry. Examples include:
- Designing and implementing a community outreach program.
- Publishing research on mental health disparities in the border region.
- Developing expertise on a specific ethnicity, country, or global mental health topic.
Why Choose This Program?
The Global and Rural Psychiatry Track offers a comprehensive experience unmatched by most psychiatry fellowships. By focusing on underserved and multicultural populations, fellows gain the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference locally and globally.