The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa is steeped in a rich history of achievement in residency training, clinical practice, and research. The department is thought to be the first university-affiliated psychiatric department west of the Mississippi River.
The four-year psychiatry training program provides each resident with the opportunity to be exposed to and excel in a diverse clinical population. Built on a neurobiological foundation, our program emphasizes the importance of patient care and treatment through an evidence-based approach, providing quality care to each patient in addition to providing each resident with knowledge of current psychiatric practices.
As a psychiatry resident at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, you will gain in-depth clinical experience in outpatient and inpatient settings from experts in the field. You will get a well-rounded experience which will include working on units specializing in:
- Mood disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Medical psychiatry
- Child psychiatry
- Veteran psychiatry
Residents work in an array of outpatient settings, some of which include:
- Adult psychiatry
- Child psychiatry
- Assertive community treatment (IMPACT)
- Addiction Medicine/MAT Clinic
Residents can also choose from a wide range of elective rotations.
The University of Iowa also has residencies in Family Medicine-Psychiatry, and Internal Medicine-Psychiatry. We are one of two institutions in the country with both a family medicine-psychiatry and an internal medicine-psychiatry residency program, and we also have an inpatient medical psychiatric unit. There are fellowship opportunities in a large number of sub-specialties.
Our training ultimately provides residents with knowledge and first-hand experience managing an array of DSM-5 diagnoses including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. The education at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is second to none.
Why Iowa?
University of Iowa Health Care
Initially founded in 1898, the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is the state of Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center. With over 800 beds, 200 specialties, and nearly 1800 physicians, UIHC serves as a vital resource to the people of Iowa and those across the nation. Working closely with the Carver College of Medicine, UIHC serves to support innovative research efforts, while also training the nation's next generation of physicians in both primary and specialty care.
In 2020, US News and World Report ranked UIHC the Number 1 hospital in the state of Iowa. Additionally, Forbes has ranked UIHC as one of 2020's best employers for women.
The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital is Iowa's only nationally ranked children's hospital. Opened in 2017, the hospital serves as a center for comprehensive pediatric care and research, and is also home to a heartwarming college football tradition known as the "Iowa Wave".
Graduate medical education at Iowa provides training in 29 residencies and 84 fellowships, and is home to nearly 800 trainees every year.
Iowa City
Iowa City is a small college town with a large variety of opportunities! We are located in eastern Iowa, two hours from the capitol, Des Moines, and four hours from both Chicago and Minneapolis. The University of Iowa is the oldest institution of higher education in the state, and is regularly ranked among the top public universities in the country, drawing a diverse group of faculty, staff and students from around the US and the world.
Iowa City is crazy for college sports, and proud home of the UI Hawkeyes, but we are also North America’s oldest UNESCO City of Literature, host to a world-famous writer’s workshop and a vibrant community art scene. We have numerous nearby state parks for year-round outdoor recreation, and our downtown district is home to some of the oldest museums this side of the Mississippi River. We also have great restaurants, an extensive park and trail system, and host numerous large community festivals throughout the year. If you love it, you can find it here!
Coming with a partner? Our primary industries are healthcare and education, but we have a number of opportunities in manufacturing, defense and other specialty industries as well. The university maintains an office dedicated to helping employees’ partners find jobs in their preferred area of work. Check out Dual Career Services for more details.
Coming here with kids?
We enjoy a low cost of living and a wide array of family-friendly activities, including frequent summer festivals and numerous nearby state parks for outdoor recreation year-round. There are a number of affordable daycares near the main hospital campus and the area public schools are excellent. The residency program and the larger hospital take pride in being a family-friendly training environment.
- To learn more about what Iowa City has to offer, check out the Visitor's Guide.
- To find out more about what residents love about living here, visit our FAQ page.