The UCI Psychiatry Residency program supports a positive learning environment, promoting wellness and work-life balance. Residents pride themselves on being there for each other and forming lasting friendships. Residents often celebrate their birthdays together, attend each other’s weddings and baby showers, and spend time exploring Orange County attractions, including Disneyland, Old Towne Orange and Laguna Beach.
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The UCI School of Medicine Psychiatry Resident Retreat is a favorite annual tradition where residents spend time together at scenic locations. During the retreat, residents participate in informal discussions about the residency program and how it can be improved. The majority of the time is devoted to resident bonding. The program excuses residents from clinical duties for the duration of the retreat.
Wellness Resource Guide
The School of Medicine prioritizes the wellbeing of its residents. Psychological, emotional and physical wellbeing are all critical components of a competent, caring and resilient healthcare provider. We offer a variety of tools and resources to help care for our community and promote a supportive culture.
Explore our wellness resource guide
Every PGY-1 is paired with a PGY-2 “big sibling” when they join the residency program so there is someone to help guide the PGY-1 through the intern year.
In addition to orientation, PGY-1 residents have several “buddy calls” with a PGY-3 resident so they can become comfortable handling the workload during call shifts before working their first shift alone.
Chief residents lead a monthly resident meeting where they discuss current issues and invite feedback for improvements. Additionally, there are monthly Resident Council meetings, which allow residents to address concerns with program leadership directly.
Live, Work, Play: Thriving in Orange County
More than three million Americans call Orange County home and boast of its incomparable combination of lifestyle, economy and climate. Orange County comprises 34 incorporated cities and 15 unincorporated communities, ranging from historic (Orange) to master planned (Irvine) to coastal (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach).
Los Angeles and San Diego are one to two hours away via car or public transportation. The area offers endless opportunities for cultural experiences, entertainment, dining and recreation.
Housing
Psychiatry residents at UCI generally do not have difficulty finding housing they can afford on a resident salary. Residents opt to live in various locations throughout Orange County, considering costs, commute time, school districts, proximity to the coast, family or friends.
Notably, several neighborhoods are conveniently located within walking or biking distance of UCI Medical Center.
Things to Do
- Disneyland Resort (Many residents have annual passports.)
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks hockey, concerts)
- Anaheim Angels Stadium (baseball)
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts (performing arts/music)
- Museums (Bowers, etc.)
- Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary (Long Beach)
- Balboa Island
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Anaheim Packing District
- Multitudes of beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails and parks
- Big Bear Mountain (Skiing is only two hours away.)
Families Thrive in Orange County
The area boasts some of the state's highest neighborhood safety ratings and school test scores. Orange County's dynamic job market also offers many opportunities for spouses and partners.
Choosing a residency program is a big decision, and where you live plays a big part! Luckily, UCI residents enjoy the best of both worlds: a supportive environment and a vibrant community like Orange County. Here are a few resources to help you explore:
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