Urban Health Plan welcomed the newest members of its ACGME-accredited Community Psychiatry Residency Program with a celebratory welcome lunch! UHP President and CEO Paloma Hernandez reflected on what this moment means: “Today is a historic day at Urban Health Plan. What started out as my Dad’s vision as a kid growing up in this neighborhood, to provide quality and culturally proficient health care to his neighbors, to today, standing here and introducing our very own psychiatry residency program, it is really, really amazing.”
We were proud to celebrate the residents who are beginning this journey with us:
- Dr. Eric Leon Brodetsky
- Dr. Lovance Donald Bailey
- Dr. Caleb Sykes
The event also included the White Coat Ceremony, to symbolize their professionalism, compassion, responsibility, and commitment to caring for patients with dignity and respect.
UHP’s Community Psychiatry Residency Program is one of the few psychiatry residencies in New York City rooted in a Federally Qualified Health Center. Residents train across UHP’s community health centers, inpatient settings at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, and community-based programs, including mobile crisis units and home visiting programs. The goal is to prepare culturally responsive psychiatrists who are deeply connected to the communities they serve. We also thank the tireless work of our UHP team: Rosa Agosto, Dr. Jennifer Genuardi, Dr. Joe Baez, and Brenda Perez.
New York City faces a severe shortage of mental health providers. These residents are part of the solution. As Paloma Hernandez added, “This is more than a residency program. It is an investment in our patients, our communities, and the future of community-based mental health care.”
We are honored to support their growth and look forward to the lasting impact they will have on the Bronx, Corona, Queens, and Central Harlem.
Here’s to an incredible training experience and the meaningful work ahead!
