Didactic training

Learning is optimized when there’s both context and active involvement. For this reason, we’re intentional about making sure that interactive lectures, seminars, small discussion groups, clinical conferences, journal clubs and one-on-one instruction are integral parts of your learning experience.

Core curriculum

The entire four-year didactic curriculum has been redesigned and consolidated into a half day each week and deliberately protected from clinical interruption. This allows you to make the most of the lectures and small group discussions. 

Over the four years of residency, the didactic series covers the spectrum of theoretical and practical psychiatric knowledge necessary for effective practice. In addition to didactic lectures every week, each class meets with their class-specific seminar leaders with whom they work for the academic year in a space that promotes developmentally appropriate discussion and growth.

The PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents participate in a weekly advanced psychotherapy seminar held at the home of one of the senior attending staff. This "fireside" series is perennially touted as a favorite learning experience.

Other learning opportunities

• Senior residents coordinate a weekly teaching conference, including clinical case conferences and journal clubs for all residents, fellows, and faculty.
• A monthly clinical teaching conference led by the department chair.
• A monthly Psych Cinema for residents and fellows where a psychiatrically-themed movie is hosted by department faculty members in their homes. Dinner is provided.
• The various subspecialty fellowships at Mayo Clinic also sponsor case conferences and journal club gatherings that interested residents attend alongside the fellows and faculty.
• A wide range of conferences sponsored by other Mayo Clinic departments.
• Some residents have selected courses in advanced neuroscience or research methodology offered by Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.