Psychiatry Residency

Long before I had finalized my residency list, Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic had already caught my attention. As an international medical graduate, I found myself listening closely to how residents described the programs that they train at. What stayed with me was not a list of strengths, but the sincerity with which people spoke about the program.

Before arriving, I read a little about Roanoke. Its gentle pace, the mountains holding the town at every edge, and the sense of being tucked into a landscape reminded me, unexpectedly, of home. Months later, I have come to appreciate it in the everyday ways, an evening drive beneath the Blue Ridge, a familiar ice-cream shop, and that residency life can still be spacious beyond the hospital.

Even so, beginning residency in a new country came with understandable apprehension. There were moments when ordinary things felt unfamiliar, like, settling into a new city, figuring out cars, driving, furniture, groceries, and all the small practical questions that come with starting over. What I did not anticipate was how quickly those uncertainties became shared concerns; ones that seniors, chiefs, and program coordinators readily helped me navigate, making the transition feel far more manageable.

That same ease has shaped my experience within the hospital. Senior residents have guided me through short calls and clinical questions with patience, then helped me navigate the much less glamorous but equally important questions of where to find a good meal or how to furnish an apartment. Help has been present in the small moments that make this demanding year feel lighter. Our program director, coordinators, and the chiefs have supported us not only in our academic and clinical growth, but also as we find our footing here. 

The clinical exposure during my first few months has been broad and thoughtfully structured, with rotations in neurology, emergency medicine, and research alongside psychiatry. Initially, I found the time away from psychiatry intimidating, however, I have come to appreciate how these experiences have strengthened the way I approach patients, and the need for interdisciplinary care. They have reminded me that becoming a good psychiatrist begins with becoming a good clinician. 

Perhaps what I value most is that the culture of support here feels real. When residents raise concerns, they are heard. Senior residents and chiefs listen, and faculty remain approachable and responsive. There is a sense that the program is willing to adapt and become better alongside its residents.

VTC offers not only rigorous training, but also something harder to put into a brochure: a community that has made a new city, and the beginning of residency feel a little more familiar.

Moving over 1,000 miles away from my hometown, I truly don’t think I could have found a better program to call my new academic home. Not only is Carilion Clinic located in a unique area with tons of natural attractions, but the atmosphere within the psychiatry program is incredibly supportive. From day one, the welcoming attitude is palpable.

I can genuinely say I’ve made friends with everyone in my cohort. Senior residents and attendings have been incredibly helpful in easing the transition from medical student to intern. During short call shifts, senior residents consistently take the time to guide you through the EMR and help build your confidence with admits.

I’m usually anxious when approaching attendings with questions, but here, every interaction has been kind and approachable.

As for Roanoke—it’s absolutely charming. If you prefer a larger city, there are options within a 2–3 hour drive. But if you’re a nature enthusiast, this is an incredible place to live. There’s amazing hiking nearby, the Roanoke River Greenway, and even Smith Mountain Lake for weekend getaways.

I’d make the choice to come to Virginia Tech Carilion again in a heartbeat.

Starting residency in a new country can feel like a big leap, but from day one, I felt a genuine sense of belonging here. If I had to give one good reason why I would not trade this program for anything else, it would be the people. My co-residents have become more than colleagues. They are friends, confidants, and a constant source of support. Together, we share the challenges, the victories, and the everyday moments that make residency meaningful. Their support has turned what could have been a difficult journey into one that is rewarding, a feeling I truly treasure every day.

The mentors have been incredible, not just as experts, but as guides who encourage me to find and refine my own style. One of the most valuable aspects of my training has been the way it nurtures the shift from absorbing knowledge as a student to applying it thoughtfully as a physician. The balance between autonomy and supervision is as insightful as it is empowering!

The clinical exposure is comprehensive, with rotations at multiple sites like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the Salem VA, where working with veterans has added a meaningful dimension to my training. This variety ensures that I’m well-prepared for any challenge and helps me build confidence in my skills.

Roanoke itself is the perfect backdrop for this journey. It’s a small, close-knit community where everyone is welcoming and the pace of life is just right. There’s a wonderful mix of great dining options and stunning natural trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it easy to unwind and enjoy life outside of the hospital.

Overall, this program has planted the seeds of what it means to be a physician and has surrounded me with a supportive community and a beautiful place to grow. I couldn’t ask for a better setting to shape my future as a psychiatrist.

I joined the VTC psychiatry residency program back in 2022 after graduating from Edwards Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM- VA campus). I chose this program as I liked the setting in Roanoke, Virginia- it's small enough that it feels manageable and friendly but also big enough to have things to do and offers a diverse patient population. I love the hiking trails that are easily accessible and the local food scene. It's a community-oriented medical hub home to Virginia Tech School of Medicine and Carilion Clinic. Our curriculum is broad and structured in a way where you are exposed to different sub-specialties of psychiatry, such as child & adolescent, geriatric, consult-liaison, addiction, and VA clinics. As my training progressed to the third year, I was able to tailor my clinics based on my interests, including taking care of college-aged students at Radford University to the older adult population with the Center for Healthy Aging. As a fourth-year resident, I am currently on a brain injury medicine/TBI rotation where I get to learn more about interdisciplinary teamwork between different specialties. Carilion offers a multidisciplinary faculty, many of whom have backgrounds spanning more than one specialty, such as internal medicine or OBGYN. The program's supportive, close-knit size and the added learning opportunities from its proximity to the Catawba state hospital was also a valuable learning experience. As someone from Northern Virginia, this program has provided an excellent balance of location, mentorship, and clinical variety. I have appreciated my time here as it has helped me grow both personally and professionally; for that, I feel grateful to be a part of a program that values preparing residents to become great clinicians. 

As an international medical graduate navigating a foreign landscape, finding a place that feels like home is essential, especially when family is far away. During the match season, I went through several interviews, but none made me feel as welcome as Carilion did. I genuinely enjoyed chatting with everyone involved in the process. It's true what they say – it's the people that make the program great. We've got fantastic attendings who are great teachers. Our program director, Dr. Greenage, is easy to talk to, and I've never hesitated to reach out to him or any of the other attendings when I needed help. Residents are immersed in a rich tapestry of rotations, each fostering expertise in a distinct facet of mental health. From the fast-paced realm of Emergency Psychiatry to the collaborative world of Consult-Liaison Psychiatry, residents navigate the complexities of addiction, delve into the unique needs of geriatric patients, and even explore the cutting-edge field of Interventional Psychiatry. The residents here are like family, always ready to support each other. Huge shoutout to Melissa and Amanda, our program coordinators, for taking care of us all. One thing I really appreciate about our program is the flexible vacation schedule – no need to plan everything a year in advance. And having an airport nearby with decent flight options is a plus. I didn't know much about Roanoke before, but now I'm happy to call it home.

When I was researching different psychiatry residency programs, I was hoping to find a program that offered strong clinical training, a supportive program culture, and a vibrant location. VTC offers excellent clinical training with a variety of electives and numerous clinical sites including a level 1 trauma center, a VA hospital, and a state hospital. The program has approachable faculty and supportive co-residents. Roanoke offers a superb quality of life with beautiful mountain scenery and fantastic outdoor opportunities.  The city is affordable, friendly, and has many things to do including museums and minor league sports as well as electric VT football games in nearby Blacksburg.