Elizabeth J. Santos, M.D.
Fellowship Program Director
The University of Rochester Medical Center is a nationally recognized center for excellence in geriatric psychiatry, along with allied fields including neurobiology and aging, gerontology and geriatric medicine.
Since 1983, we have offered fellowship training in geriatric psychiatry, during which we have developed a rich clinical and didactic curriculum and fostered an accomplished faculty. Our diverse faculty includes nine geriatric psychiatrists, physicians with clinical and research expertise in mental disorders of later life, and experts from a variety of related disciplines. Our one-year, post-residency fellowship program leads to eligibility for Certification in the Subspecialty of Geriatric Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. We offer two positions each year and training begins July 1st.
Our training venues and partnerships are ideal for helping fellows acquire the specialized knowledge and skills needed to provide primary and consultative mental health care to geriatric patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. During this advanced training year, fellows are provided with a broad body of knowledge, including an understanding of normal aging and disease models, biological and psychosocial aspects of normal and abnormal aging, the psychiatric impact of acute and chronic physical illnesses and the biological and psychosocial aspects of primary psychiatric disturbances beginning in or continuing into older age.
Fellows will also hone the leadership, interpersonal skills and professional attitudes required of a geriatric psychiatrist. We strive to provide superb mentorship to guide fellows toward greater independence and confidence. This supportive and collegial atmosphere extends beyond clinic walls into the greater Rochester community. Our city is a warm and culturally rich place for fellows to spend their year of subspecialty training.
Welcome from the Program Director