Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residency Program

The Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty training program at Western University is fully accredited through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). PGY4 and PGY5 residents in psychiatry are eligible to apply for the two-year subspecialty training program in Geriatric Psychiatry. Western ‘s Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty has launched Competency Based Medical Education in July 2022 consistent with Royal College requirements. 

During the subspecialty training in geriatric psychiatry the PGY5 year consists of advanced training in outpatient, outreach and inpatient geriatric psychiatry and exposure to core related medical fields, including geriatric medicine. Elective opportunities include ECT/TMs, cognitive neurology, sleep medicine, complex care, and palliative care as well as extended campus opportunities. Residents will participate in a shared educational series in partnership with the Geriatric Medicine Residency Training program at Western. Residents will be supported to participate in the annual CAGP national review course. Additionally, in the PGY6 year there is a half-day per week resident led longitudinal clinic. The flexibility of the PGY6 curriculum provides residents ample elective time in pursuit of scholarly activities. 

Our Subspecialization Program also offers innovative learning opportunities in: 

  • Psychopharmacology  
  • Research  
  • Leadership and Administration  
  • Academic Education Research and Innovation 

Situated between the major urban centers of Toronto and Detroit, London offers the advantages of quick access to large cities while still retaining the charm of the smaller community.  There are ample clinical opportunities in both hospital and community-based settings, rural and urban.  Residents can also easily enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful surrounding areas, with two Great Lakes nearby. Additionally, the connection to Western University provides opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers from institutions such as the Robarts Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, Centre for Education Research and Innovation, and the Brain and Mind Institute. The program's favorable faculty-to-resident ratios ensure that residents can meet their learning goals and needs effectively, aiming to provide the best possible foundation for success. 

Dr. Elyse Ross, a Graduate of our Program in 2021 along with our previous Program Director, Dr. Lisa VanBussel 

CURRICULUM AND DURATION OF TRAINING 

In keeping with the trend nationally, our program has been updated to meet the Competence by Design training requirements as set out by the Royal College.   

Training progression is based on residents demonstrating task-specific competence and advancing through the various stages of the Competence Continuum. The Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty residency program is designed to span two years, with no fixed timeframe for each of the four stages of training. The duration of training in each stage varies primarily on individual resident needs and progress.  Ultimately, the Resident Program Committee, and the Program Director have the discretion to determine the length of training in each stage. 

For program guidance, the Royal College Specialty Committee in the Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty residency program suggests the following training framework: 

  • Transition to Discipline: 1-3 months 
  • Foundations of Discipline: 2-6 months 
  • Core of Discipline: 6-12 months
  • Transition to Practice: 1-3 months 

The Royal College recommends a series of required, recommended, and optional training experiences.   

The required experiences include:  

  • Outpatient Geriatric Psychiatry 
  • Outreach Geriatric Psychiatry including collaborating with the regional BSO team 
  • Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry 
  • Exposure to core related medical fields, including Geriatric Medicine 
  • Memory assessment services 

 The recommended and optional training experiences available through our subspecialty program include: 

  • Sleep Medicine 
  • Neuromodulation (ECT, rTMS) 
  • Cognitive Neurology 
  • Movement Disorders Neurology 
  • Palliative Medicine 
  • Complex Care Medicine 

We are exploring additional learning opportunities for longitudinal exposure in: Addictions Medicine; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – including brain injury; Psychodynamic Psychotherapy; Pain Medicine; Forensic Psychiatry; Dual Diagnosis Psychiatry; Community Psychiatry through the Canadian Mental Health Association; and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Psychiatry. 

We will strongly support a longitudinal, resident-led clinic in which the Consultant Psychiatrists and the Subspecialty Residents jointly identify patients whose ongoing management would benefit the learning of the trainee. 

Our training curriculum ensures that all required and recommended experiences are included, providing a comprehensive education in the Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty.  Additionally, we are dedicated to making room for a customizable training experience that will allow residents to explore a range of opportunities based on their individual preferences.   

We have now had the pleasure and distinction of graduating eight Geriatric Psychiatrists since our program was first accredited in 2017.  These graduates have gone on to practice in a variety of settings, including Academic Medicine, University and Community Hospitals, and outpatient clinics.   

Training Facilities Include:   

  • London Health Sciences Centre 
  • Parkwood Institute Mental Health 
  • Community General Hospital, including St Thomas Elgin General 
  • Community Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Virtual Care with Community Partners

Application Process/Dates

Applications for the Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residency must now be submitted via the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) website through the Medicine Subspecialty Match.  

The following timelines are applicable for the upcoming match for Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Residency positions starting on July 1, 2025 in Canada: 

July 11, 2024:           Application open through CaRMS online 
August 19, 2024:       Deadline: Reference submission 
August 20, 2024:       Deadline: Submission and assignment of applications and documents 
Aug 21 - Sep 12:       Interview period 
October 2, 2024:       Ranklist submission deadline for Programs 
October 10, 2024:     Ranklist submission deadline for Applicants 
October 23, 2024:     Match day (results made available) 

Interview date for Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty at Western University: 
September 10th, 2024 

Interviews will be conducted via video conference using Zoom. 

For questions about the Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty residency program at Western University please feel free to contact  

Dr. Tuoyo Awani
Geriatric Psychiatry Subspecialty Program Director
psychgeriatricsubspecialty@sjhc.london.on.ca


Program Administrator
PsychGeriatricSubspecialty@sjhc.london.on.ca