We’re delighted to share with you the introduction of our new MedStar Health & Georgetown University Psychiatry Residency Program based in Baltimore, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to mental health education and community support. Led by Dr. Theodora Balis, after years of careful planning, the program proudly received ACGME accreditation in early 2024 and began recruiting our first group of residents. Out of a competitive pool of more than 1,000 applicants, we welcomed a diverse team of four residents this summer who will be trailblazers for this inspiring new program.

The program’s goal is to train up to 16 residents each year, with a focus on fostering equity and inclusion within the psychiatric community and the communities we serve. Each member of our inaugural class comes from a unique background that truly reflects the diversity of Baltimore. Their perspectives and experiences will allow our residents to connect deeply with patients and provide care that respects and understands different cultural perspectives and preferences.

“We are committed to addressing the social factors and cultural issues that influence treatment,” says Dr. Balis. “We want to create a nurturing environment where our residents can advocate for the community.”

Our residents will rotate primarily at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Harbor Hospital, both of which serve diverse and underserved populations. This offers our residents an opportunity to deliver meaningful care while promoting social justice and equity in access to mental health services. Working in this environment, our residents will learn to advocate for their patients, develop personalized treatment plans, and deliver care in a culturally competent and respectful manner.

The program’s curriculum is designed around practical learning in inpatient medicine, neurology, and psychiatry, helping residents build essential skills within a supportive setting. Plus, they’ll have exciting opportunities to engage in research projects through our partnership with Georgetown University faculty, contributing to advances in the field of psychiatry. Residents will also participate in a variety of rotations, including outpatient, child and adolescent, addictions, geriatric, consultation-liaison, ECT, collaborative care, forensic, and several electives in community psychiatry specialty care.

“As a close-knit, community-centered program, we focus on nurturing mental health advocates who truly understand their patients’ lives, struggles, and lived experiences,” Dr. Balis explains. “Our vision is for our graduates to excel not only in clinical expertise but also as champions of diversity and inclusion in the field of psychiatry.”

Join us in celebrating our inaugural class and shaping the future of psychiatric care, dedicated to serving our wonderfully diverse Baltimore community!

Have questions about this program? Reach out to Dr. Theodora Balis: Theodora.G.Balis@medstar.net.