Residency Program Director Letter — The MedStar Health — The MedStar Health Baltimore Residency Program in Psychiatry

Welcome to the MedStar Health Baltimore Residency Program in Psychiatry. We are an innovative new Psychiatry Residency Program in a dynamic community hospital system located in Baltimore, Maryland. Our vision is to improve the health of our communities by training residents to provide outstanding evidence-based psychiatric care for the communities we serve while addressing ongoing healthcare inequities through scholarly inquiry, cultural humility and compassion, a collaborative team approach to health, community outreach, and policy advocacy.

At the heart of our program lies a commitment to education and clinical care, spearheaded by our dedicated faculty within the inclusive culture of MedStar. Drawing upon diverse life experiences, both faculty and residents contribute to a dynamic learning environment that tackles the multifaceted challenges of mental health, embracing innovative approaches to psychiatric treatment. We are a close-knit group whose work combines interest in a deeper understanding of what supports health and wellness in ourselves and our patients with evidence-based science. Our program's strengths lie in our residents and faculty, whose diversity fosters an environment of exploration and discovery.

Partnered with the esteemed Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., our program offers residents a broader training experience and opportunities for scholarly engagement. The collaboration provides opportunities to gain experience from Georgetown Psychiatry faculty and expands training in global mental health and neuroscience.

I am excited and honored to serve as Residency Program Director. In my role as the Program Director and Vice-Chair of Education for the MedStar Baltimore Region, I am interested in exploring new and comprehensive methods in postgraduate medical education. My passion lies in educating clinicians with a focus on destigmatizing mental illness to promote better somatic care and equitable access to high-quality mental health services from cutting-edge pharmacology to diverse psychotherapies, particularly for people from underrepresented communities.

We are thrilled that you are considering joining our residency program and invite you to explore what our program has to offer, taking a virtual tour to discover firsthand the enriching experiences that await. We actively seek to promote diversity and inclusion in our recruitment efforts, encouraging applicants from varied backgrounds to join us in our mission of providing exceptional patient care to diverse communities. At the core of our endeavors lies integrity, humility, and compassion, as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved populations and improve the quality of life for all. Join us in shaping the future of psychiatry.

Sincerely,

Theodora Balis, MD; DLFAPA
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Vice Chair for Education Baltimore Region
Residency Training Director

Learn more about our program from our department chair