Topics and Competencies
Topics Covered
Fellows in the Global and Rural Psychiatry Track will engage in a wide range of topics designed to build expertise in cultural psychiatry, health disparities, and mental health care in low-resource settings. Topics include:
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Ethical Considerations in Global Psychiatry
Examining the ethical challenges in cross-cultural mental health care, including partnerships between high-resource and low-resource regions. -
Health Concerns Unique to the Border Region and Rural Texas
Addressing mental and physical health challenges prevalent in the Paso del Norte region, including barriers to care and community-specific stressors. -
Access to Care and Health Disparities
Understanding how systemic inequities perpetuate disparities and developing strategies to improve mental health equity. -
Immigration-Related Concerns
Exploring the unique mental health needs of immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, including trauma and adjustment-related disorders. -
Working with Traditional and Indigenous Healers
Incorporating traditional healing practices into psychiatric care through culturally respectful collaboration. -
Public Policy, Advocacy, and Activism
Learning how to influence policy and advocate for mental health equity at local, state, and global levels. -
Low-Resource Settings and Sustainable Practices
Developing practical skills for delivering effective mental health care with limited resources while building sustainable, community-based programs.
Competencies
Fellows will gain practical and theoretical skills to excel in diverse clinical and research settings. Key competencies include:
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Cultural Competence
Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions while addressing cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic factors. -
Trauma-Informed and Gender-Affirming Care
Expertise in providing sensitive care to marginalized populations, including refugees and LGBTQ+ youth. -
Health Disparities and Advocacy
Deep understanding of health inequities and strategies to advocate for systemic changes. -
Community Engagement
Skills to establish reciprocal, sustainable relationships with underserved communities, indigenous groups, and global partners. -
Research and Program Development
Proficiency in conducting culturally informed qualitative and quantitative research and developing evidence-based programs tailored to low-resource settings.
Interactive Opportunities
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Quarterly Journal Clubs
Participate in discussions on global and cultural psychiatry topics. -
Community Projects
Complete a scholarly project addressing a critical mental health need, with opportunities for conference presentation or publication.
Visit the Application Process page to learn how to apply.