Forensic Fellowship

Fellowship Overview & Objectives
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program is an ACGME-accredited, one-year fellowship with two positions, designed to equip psychiatrists with the expertise needed to navigate the intersection of psychiatry and law. Our mission is to offer exceptional training in forensic psychiatry while fostering an environment that cultivates our fellows into ethical leaders and educators. The program is run by experienced, board-certified forensic psychiatrists who are committed to providing top-tier education and mentorship. Fellows engage in comprehensive educational sessions, including a year-long intensive didactic curriculum covering essential forensic topics, case conferences, mock trials, grand rounds, lectures on landmark cases, and research and scholarship seminars. This rigorous academic structure ensures that graduates emerge well-prepared to handle complex forensic psychiatric issues with confidence and expertise.
We are open to applicants who have completed an ACGME-accredited General Psychiatry Program before starting fellowship.
APPLICATION
Applications will only be accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) administered by AAMC beginning in July each year.
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) would like us to remind you that the application process in ERAS is separate from the NRMP matching process. In order to be ranked in the Match, you must register with the NRMP.
*Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to an inquiry regarding application status.
Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited General Psychiatry Program finalized before the fellowship start date.
- ERAS Common Application
- Curriculum Vitae (Current)
- A minimum of three (3) Letters of Recommendation (1 from each Program Director)
- Personal Statement
- Dean's Letter
- Medical School Transcript
- Milestone evaluations from the core residency program
- USMLE and/or COMLEX Transcripts
- ECFMG Certificate
- If applicable, any gaps in training or medical school should have an accompanying explanation
- Our Program can sponser J1 Visas Only, must have ECFMG Certificate at interview
Applications and Interviews will be held via Thalamus or other supporting platforms.
SALARY/BENEFITS
Salaries for 2025-2026 Training Year *These amounts are for the Lubbock Campus only
Year of Training | Salary |
PGY5 | $72,369.95 |
PGY6 | $74,459.12 |
PGY7 | $76,548.30 |
- Employer-sponsored individual health and dental insurance at no cost to the fellow. Fellows can add additional family members at a low cost.
- Short and long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Educational Leave - 5 working days for conferences or board exams
- Professional Development Funds
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Free covered garage parking at UMC and Covenant Health System
- Books, software, journals
- CME
- Financial support for board exam
- Department-sponsored lab coats
- Department financial support for research and publications
- Monthly meal card allotment at UMC
- Conference attendance
ADMINISTRATION
Michael G. Rayel, MD
Fellowship Training Director
Candice Blanchard
Fellowship Administrator
806.743.6021
CURRENT FELLOWS
About Lubbock
Lubbock is located in the northwestern part of Texas. The population is over 300,000, with a catchment area of over 1.2 million. Lubbock is a growing educational, commercial, medical, and cultural center, with a college-town atmosphere. Lubbock has mild seasonal conditions with average of 267 days of sunshine per year. The area has a low cost of living and family-friendly atmosphere. There are unique restaurants, live music, museums, wineries, breweries, boutiques, and a drive of less than 25 minutes to anywhere in the city. Lubbock has great public and private school systems and over 66 public parks.
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