Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Residency Program News
Please Welcome the Incoming Resident to the Psychiatry Residency Program
March 15, 2024
On Friday, March 21, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine's Psychiatry Residency Program announced the incoming residents for the upcoming academic year. We are happy to introduce you to our incoming interns for 2025. We are excited to be a part of their training in Psychiatry as they embark upon this next stage of their careers.
MSM Psychiatry Resident Matched for Forensic Fellowship
January 13th, 2025
Dr. Arianna Sewell, our Educational Chief Resident, has matched with the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center! Dr. Sewell joined the MSM Residency Training Program in 2021 and will continue training in Forensic Psyhciatry for academic year 2025-2026.
"I chose forensic psychiatry because it combines my interests in law and mental health, allowing me to examine the psychological factors behind criminal behavior. The role of assessing mental competence and criminal responsibility is particularly interesting, as it directly impacts legal outcomes. Forensic psychiatry offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference through both clinical and legal expertise." - Dr. Arianna Sewell
"Dr. Sewell has demonstrated exceptional clinical acumen throughout her psychiatry residency. Her ability to translate her extensive medical knowledge into practical, effective clinical skills is a testament to her growth over the years. Beyond her technical expertise, she brings her gentle demeanor and compassion to every patient interaction, making them feel truly heard and respected. Her intelligence and conscientiousness shine through in every aspect of her work, as she takes meticulous care of her patients, always considering their unique needs and circumstances. Her hard work and boundless curiosity continuously drive her to expand her understanding and deepen her expertise." - Dr. Sheril Kalarithara, Psychiatry Residency Associate Program Director
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Sewell and supporting her as she transitions to the next level of her psychiatry career.
MSM Psychiatry Resident Matched for CAP Fellowship
January 13th, 2025
Dr. Dominique Byrd, one of our PGY-3 residents, has matched with the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Fellowship Program at University of California Riverside School of Medicine! Dr. Byrd joined the MSM Residency Training Program in 2022 and is fast-tracking into CAP Fellowship for academic year 2025-2026.
"Before starting residency, I knew I wanted to work with children and adolescents, so I decided to fast-track into child and adolescent psychiatry. I am more than confident in my capacity to care for adult patients after seeing a wide variety and acuity of patients over my first three years at Morehouse. Above all, there is a severe lack of mental health services for children and adolescents. I can start helping this demographic sooner because I was able to complete my training a year early." - Dr. Dominique Byrd
"Dr. Byrd has demonstrated outstanding growth and clinical acumen throughout her psychiatry residency, and it is clear she is exceptionally well-prepared for her upcoming child psychiatry fellowship. Over the years, her ability to integrate her knowledge of psychiatry with her clinical skills has continued to evolve, allowing her to provide the highest standard of care to her patients. Her communication skills and empathy are truly remarkable, creating an environment where patients feel both heard and understood. Dr. Byrd is not only dedicated to providing excellent care but also advocates fiercely for her patients, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. She approaches her work with tremendous diligence, and her hard work is evident in every aspect of her clinical practice. Dr. Byrd is an exemplary clinician, and her commitment to her patients will undoubtedly make her an invaluable asset in the field of child psychiatry." - Dr. Sheril Kalarithara, Psychiatry Residency Associate Program Director
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Byrd and supporting her as she transitions to the next level of her psychiatry career.
MSM Psychiatry Chief Resident Accepted for Publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice
September 16, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Julian Lane, our current Clinical Chief Resident, is second-author on research paper entitled: Insomnia in Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Management, which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice!
Abstract:
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or poor sleep quality, is highly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The relationship between the two conditions is often bidirectional. We reviewed the impact of various substances (alcohol, stimulants, opioids, and cannabis) on sleep architecture and their potential to contribute to insomnia. Conversely, the role of insomnia as a risk factor for different SUDs is explored. Assessment strategies for co-occurring insomnia and SUDs are discussed, emphasizing the importance of re-assessment throughout various phases of substance use treatment. Evidence-based nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for managing insomnia in SUD patients are presented, highlighting the importance of tailoring treatment approaches to individual needs and substance-specific considerations.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lane on this achievement!
MSM Psychiatry Resident Accepted for Publication in the journal "Pain Management"
September 16, 2024
We're thrilled to announce that Dr. Terrance C. Jenkins' research, titled MR-Conditionality failure modes: A Comparison across various spinal cord stimulators, has been accepted for publication in the journal Pain Management. This study addresses a critical issue in the field of chronic pain management: the MRI compatibility of spinal cord stimulators. As these devices become increasingly common, understanding their MR-conditionality in various scenarios is essential for patient safety and effective treatment. The study investigates the MR-conditionality of a wide range of spinal cord stimulator devices under normal conditions and common failure modes. The research provides a valuable reference for healthcare professionals and patients, helping them to understand the potential risks and limitations associated with MRI scans in patients with spinal cord stimulators. We congratulate Dr. Jenkins on this outstanding achievement.
MSM Psychiatry Residency and CAP Fellowship Spring Retreat
April 19th - 21st, 2024
Back Row - Dr. Joshua Omade, Dr. Arianna Sewell, Dr. Terrance Jenkins, Dr. Eugenia
Asare, Dr. Paolo Gilleran, Dr. Kwaku Yeboah, Dr. Julian Lane, Dr. Linda Okai, Dr.
Alicia Lindsay, Dr. Ogonnaya Ifeadike
Front Row - Dr. Roman Tate, Dr. Kyunti James-Thorpe, Dr. Brittany Stallworth, Dr.
Victor Elensi, Dr. Myka Taylor, Dr. Rhonda Reid, Dr. Amber Navy
On Friday evening, April 19th, 2024, MSM Psychiatry Residents and CAP Fellows started their weekend spring retreat. The retreat was held at Serenbe from April 19th to April 21st. The retreat began Friday evening with dinner followed by games and s'mores at a bonfire. On Saturday, the residents and fellows had a full day of presentations and activities on post graduate mental and physical wellness, financial planning, painting, and an outdoor competitive activity. Saturday's programming ended with a communal dinner for residents, fellows, faculty, staff, and guests, with opportunities for connection and camaraderie after.
We would like to thank the residents, fellows, presenters, faculty, and staff for helping to make the 2024 Resident and Fellow Spring Retreat possible and successful!
To see more images of the spring retreat, please navigate to our department Events page.
Please Welcome the Incoming Resident to the Psychiatry Residency Program
March 15, 2024
On Friday, March 15, 2024, Morehouse School of Medicine's Psychiatry Residency Program announced the incoming residents for the upcoming academic year. We are happy to introduce you to our incoming interns for 2024. We are excited to be a part of their training in Psychiatry as they embark upon this next stage of their careers.
MSM Psychiatry Residents Receive Resident Humanism in Teaching Award
July 5, 2023
Psychiatry Residency’s very own PGY-2, Dr. Roman Tate and PGY-3, Dr. Joshua Omade were honored as Resident Humanism in Teaching Awardees. They were chosen by the MSM Class of 2025 and recognized at the Student Clinician Ceremony. The awards are given in recognition of outstanding residents who have demonstrated particularly strong teaching skills and served as role models for compassionate, relationship-centered care. We’re beyond proud of how these young psychiatrists are representing the department and our profession.
MSM Faculty Featured in March 2023 Edition of The American Psychologist
March 31, 2023
Dr. Kisha Holden, our department's Director of Research and Scholarship, is a guest co-editor for the March 2023 special issue of The American Psychologist - the flagship academic journal of the American Psychological Association. The March issue is centered on health equity in which Dr. Holden was also a contributor to the article “How Psychologists Can Help Achieve Equity in Heath Care: Advancing Innovative Partnerships and Models of Care Delivery.”
Please Welcome the Incoming Resident to the Psychiatry Residency Program
March 17, 2023
On Friday, March 17, 2023, Morehouse School of Medicine's Psychiatry Residency Program announced the incoming residents for the upcoming academic year. We are happy to introduce you to our incoming interns for 2023. We are excited to be a part of their training in Psychiatry as they embark upon this next stage of their careers.
MSM Faculty Member and Psychiatry Residency Alumni Accepted into Research Colloquium for Junior Psychiatrist Investigators
March 1, 2023
MSM faculty member psychiatry and residency alumni, Christopher Villongco, MD, has been accepted into the APA's Research Colloquium for Junior Psychiatrist Investigators. The program has been existence 1996 and is sponsored National Institute on Drug Abuse, APA Foundation, and American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) with the participation of many senior psychiatrist researchers and chairs of departments of psychiatry across the country as mentors. The program aims is to strengthen and diversify the psychiatrist-scientist workforce and Dr. Villongco was chosen after a competitive application process.
MSM General Psychiatry Residency Alum Dr. Chidi Wamuo's Professional Journey Highlighted in Psych News
February 28, 2023
Though MSM General Psychiatry alum Dr. Chidi Wamou started off as an intern in MSM's Surgery Residency program, when the need for upstream, mental health based interventions became critically apparent, he dramatically shifted course. After accepting that his passion was to address the mental issues in marginalized communities prior to repairing with a scalpel, he re-applied in psychiatry and matched into our General Psychiatry training program, where he made many contributions to the residency. Now a child psychiatry fellow at Boston Children's, Dr. Wamuo continues to collaborate with MSM faculty and residents, including a well-received presentation at the APA Mental Health Services last fall along with mental health advocate Micah Pearson and our Interim Chair Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson.
MSM Representation at the 2023 Winter GPPA Meeting in Atlanta GA
February 21, 2023
Picture from right to left: Dr. Julian Lane (MSM Psychiatry Resident), Dr. Brittany Stallworth (MSM Psychiatry Resident), Dr. Sarah Vinson (GPPA President and Interim Chair for MSM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences), Dr. Darron Lewis (MSM CAP Fellow), Dr. Joshua Omade (MSM Psychiatry Resident), Dr. Arianna Sewell (MSM Psychiatry Resident).
Morehouse School of Medicine’s was well represented at the 2023 Winter GPPA Meeting in Atlanta, GA on February 17th and 18th. The event kicked-off with a Welcome from the GPPA President, Dr. Sarah Vinson. Dr. Vinson is also the Interim Chair for our Psychiatry Department as well as the program Director for the Child and Adolescent (CAP) Psychiatry Fellowship.
Our Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program, Dr. Deirdre Evans-Cosby was part of the discussion panel The Future of Psychiatric Education is Georgia in Good Hands: Fostering the Pipeline and Innovation in Residency Training. Also, MSM adjunct faculty member, Dr. Beverly Stoute, delivered a presentation, How Our Mind Becomes Racialized: Lessons from the Therapeutic Encounter.
Additionally, MSM Psychiatry Program faculty, alumni, residents ,and CAP fellows were in attendance.
MSM to Host The 2023 Dewitt Symposium
December 29, 2022
Supported by our dedicated staff, our faculty, residents and fellows are engaged in a wide variety of scholarly pursuits. Additionally, our faculty hold numerous professional leadership positions at both regional and national levels. Spring of 2023, we're excited to host the DeWitt Symposium, which will be a research, advocacy and professional development event for URM Pscychiatry trainees from throughout the Southeast United States.
The DeWitt Symposium, named for the founding chair of our department, Dr. DeWitt C. Alfred, Jr., is an annual event at Morehouse School of Medicine that has traditionally been an internal event, including only our residents and fellow trainees and faculty. This year, we plan to bring in sixteen residents from other institutions for a scientific exchange and workshops regarding career progression and personal sustainability as a psychiatric physician. The program will be held in Atlanta, GA at the Kimpton Overland Hotel the evening of May 11th through the morning of May 13th, and include a number of activities to promote professional development, career planning, and mentorship both from peers and faculty. For more information, please click here.