Psychiatry Residency Program

About Us

Our Mission Statement

“The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Psychiatry Residency Program is committed to training compassionate, skilled psychiatrists who are equipped to serve communities with a range of backgrounds, experiences and needs with limited access to services. We provide individualized education, strong mentorship, and a supportive environment that prioritizes resident wellness and professional growth. Through a foundation in evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and scholarly inquiry, our program prepares residents to become leaders in advancing mental health care and making a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.”

Young And Growing

Accredited in 2021, our residency program is proud to be part of the world-class Cleveland Clinic network, serving the Akron community and beyond. From our very first cohort in July 2021, we have been committed to delivering exceptional medical education in both urban and suburban settings.

With four residents per year, we offer a close-knit, supportive environment where faculty know you personally and mentorship is individualized. Small class sizes mean strong connections, flexibility to shape your training, and the opportunity to stand out. As our program grows each year, so do the opportunities—new faculty, expanded rotations, and innovative learning experiences—ensuring our residents are well prepared to lead in psychiatry and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Hybrid Of Community and Academia

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, the primary site for our clinical rotations, is the flagship hospital of Cleveland Clinic’s Southern Region. As the largest regional hospital in Ohio, it offers 532 beds, a Level 1 Trauma Center, and serves as the main referral center for specialized care across the region.

Akron General combines the strengths of a busy community hospital with the resources of a major academic institution. Residents benefit from a robust teaching and research environment with affiliations to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (CCLCM), Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUH-COM). This unique blend provides a broad clinical exposure, cutting-edge learning opportunities, and the chance to train within one of the most respected health systems in the world.

Highlights

Highlights of our residency program include:

• A part of the Cleveland Clinic health system, providing world class care
• Training at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, a respected teaching institution
• Close, supportive relationships with colleagues and faculty
• Interprofessional opportunities with non-psychiatric colleagues
• Strong preparation for fellowship or independent practice, with mentorship to guide residents career goals
• Exposure to patient populations from all backgrounds
• An excellent blend of educational, clinical, research, leadership and advocacy training
• An excellent work-life balance during residency training
• Akron is a safe, affordable place to live and a family-friendly community

Welcome

Dear Future Cleveland Clinic Akron General Psychiatry Resident,

I’m excited that you’re exploring our program and considering spending this transformative chapter of your life with us. Residency is more than a stage of training, it is a of growth, discovery, and purpose. It is the time when you not only deepen your knowledge of psychiatry but also define the kind of physician you aspire to be. My role, and the role of our faculty, is to walk alongside you on that journey, providing support, mentorship, and encouragement every step of the way.

One of the things I value most about our program is the sense of community. With four residents per year, you’ll be a vital part of a close-knit team where people know you, cheer for you, and invest in your success. Our faculty are deeply committed teachers and mentors, and our residents genuinely support one another. That collegial spirit is what makes the long days easier and the milestones even more meaningful.

We take pride in training psychiatrists who are not only clinically skilled but also compassionate, reflective, and resilient. Our residents have the chance to care for patients across the lifespan and with a wide range of psychiatric and medical conditions, while also having the space to grow your voice, whether that’s through scholarship, teaching, leadership, or advocacy. My hope is that by the time you graduate, you’ll feel confident stepping into any setting, knowing you’ve built both the knowledge and the judgment to thrive.

Most importantly, we recognize that residency isn’t just about what happens inside the hospital walls. We want you to have time for your family, friends, hobbies, and wellness. We celebrate achievements together, share meals, laugh often, and look out for one another. That balance is essential, and it’s something we are intentional about preserving.

If you join us, you’ll find a program that is young, growing, and full of opportunities to help shape its future. You’ll be part of something dynamic, where your ideas and your energy truly make a difference.

I look forward to meeting you during the interview season and hope you’ll see for yourself why Cleveland Clinic Akron General Psychiatry Residency is such a special place to learn and grow.

Warm regards,

Silpa Balachandran, MD
Program Director, Psychiatry Residency
Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Silpa Balachandran, MD
Program Director

Jacob Wardyn, MD
Associate Program Director

Branden Vugrnick, MD
Associate Program Director

Jennifer Hayes, BA
Program Manager
330.344.6140
hayesj2@ccf.org

Resident Life

Resident Testimonials

PGY-1

Janae McGuirk, MD (PGY-1)

“Becoming an intern is both exciting, challenging and surreal as you realize all the hard work you have put in over the last 8+ years has led to the privilege of caring for patients as a physician.  No matter where you train, the transition into residency is intense and at times overwhelming. But if you have the opportunity to experience that whirlwind at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, you’ve landed in a pretty great place. On paper, you become a practicing member of Cleveland Clinic, which is world renowned and provides invaluable connections wherever you go. On a more personal level the residents are welcoming and genuine. Not only are my fellow interns supportive, but the senior residents, other support staff and attendings all contribute to a culture where people truly care about your education and your growth as a future attending. You will encounter a wide variety of conditions, patients and treatment styles which will prepare you well for whatever your future holds. You will also build relationships with fellow residents and staff that you will cherish for a lifetime.”

PGY-2

Alex Stanley, MD (PGY-2)

“As someone originally from Akron, training at Akron General is both a privilege and a homecoming. I love being a part of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation while also benefiting from the close-knit, supportive community of our program. Our attendings trust us to make our own clinical decisions while providing thoughtful mentorship when it is needed. The combination of resources, a broad array of research opportunities, and regular access to grand rounds from experts in the field provides an exceptional foundation for learning. This environment has allowed me to grow not only as a physician, but also as a member of a team deeply committed to our patients and community.”

PGY-3

Jonathan Sasse, MD (PGY-3)

“Cleveland Clinic Akron General combines the “best of both worlds” with opportunities to work one-on-one with attendings to learn the nuances of Psychiatry while also having the support and resources associated with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The staff here are extremely supportive of us as residents and as people. They are always happy to support us academically and personally. Our program leadership is continuously eliciting feedback to ensure that residents’ personal goals and program goals are aligned in order to set residents up for success. Cleveland Clinic Akron General provides an environment that fosters working within a multi-disciplinary team and a drive for continuous learning that ensures we are prepared to deliver quality care wherever we go.”

Living In Akron

Convenience:

• Affordable cost of living with charming neighborhoods and quick access to cities like Cleveland and Pittsburgh
• Greater Akron Chamber

Outdoor activities:

• Explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Hike the Summit Metro Parks
• Kayak on Portage Lakes
• Bike the Towpath Trail

Indoor activities:

• Climbing, fitness and Yoga
• The Great Escape room
• Laser Tag at Laserzone or Fun-n-Stuff
• Indoor Golf
• Urban Air Adventure park
• Bowling

Arts & culture:

• Visit the Akron Art Museum
• Attend the Ohio Shakespeare Festival at Stan Hywet
• Watch a show at the Akron Civic Theatre
• Browse Don Drumm Studio & Gallery (a local Akron artist)
• The Nightlight Theatre

Sport & entertainment:

• Akron Rubber Ducks (minor league baseball)
• Blossom Music Center
• Comedy Club: https://funnystop.com
• Cleveland Major League Teams
  • Guardians, Cavaliers, and Browns

 Wellness & Work-Life Balance

At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, wellness is an integral part of our culture, both inside and outside the hospital. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where caregivers thrive professionally and personally. Our strong sense of teamwork creates a culture of collaboration, respect, and shared purpose, helping each team member feel valued and supported. We prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of institutional wellness resources, including mental health support, financial counseling, and a free fitness membership. Throughout the year, caregivers enjoy a range of events, from social gatherings to team-building workshops, that build community and promote overall well-being. At Akron General, you’re not just part of a healthcare team, you’re part of a wellness-focused family.

Mentorship & support:

• Connected with a faculty advisor with the ability to meet weekly or biweekly throughout training

Celebrations & traditions:

• Yearly intern welcome party and senior graduation party to honor our incoming and outgoing residents

Protected time:

• Wednesday afternoons are FULLY protected didactic sessions to facilitate full engagement with the content and lectures

Access to Cleveland Clinic wellness resources highlighting:

• Free access to employee gym at Akron General and gym membership to Akron General Wellness Centers located in Bath, Stow, and Green
• "Caring for Caregivers" program
  • Offers access to confidential behavioral health support, counseling services, and a variety of wellness resources to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Wellness events:

• Biannual resident retreats in October and May
• Wellness half days: twice a year
• Resident fun day- June every year.

Clinical Rotations

PGY-1 Year

PGY-1 Year rotation calendar

6 months of Inpatient Psychiatry

• 3 – two-month rotation blocks
• Call and Night Float
• Night Float
• From 7p.m.-7a.m.
• Sunday through Thursday night.
• 2 weeks at a time (2-week intervals) during 6 months of Inpatient Psychiatry
• For their initial months, interns will be paired with a senior resident for guidance.
• Weekend & Holiday Shifts
• No 24-hour Shifts
• Saturday/Sunday/Holidays
• Will cover both Saturday and Sunday
• From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. = 12 total hours
• Includes: inpatient teaching service admissions, follow-ups and discharges covered
• Intern will cover the psychiatric inpatients and PGY2 will cover medical floor consults and Emergency Department

4 months of Medicine Rotations at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

• Inpatient Family Medicine = 1 month
• Outpatient Family Medicine = 1 month
• Outpatient Internal Medicine = 1 month
• Emergency Medicine = 1 month

2 months of Neurology

PGY-2 Year

PGY-2 Year rotation calendar

Yearlong of Outpatient Continuity Clinic

• Each resident has a weekly half-day in the outpatient psychiatry clinic
• To help build continuity and ambulatory skills.
• The first hour is for protected psychotherapy didactics
• with an emphasis on case-based learning and practical skills development.

3 months of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

2 months of Inpatient Psychiatry at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

• Night Float
• Supervising PGY-1 resident1
• From 7p.m.-7a.m.
• Sunday through Thursday night
• 2-week interval

1 month of Addiction Psychiatry at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

2 months of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• Will take place at Fairview Hospital Cleveland Clinic
• It is a 488-bed Cleveland Clinic hospital on the city’s West Side (18101 Lorain Ave)
• It is recognized for Centers of Excellence in Birthing, Cancer, Heart, Surgery, and Emergency & Level II Trauma services.
• During this rotation, trainees work with Cleveland Clinic Children’s inpatient team providing psychiatric evaluation and acute stabilization for children and adolescents with primary psychiatric and behavioral disorders, with close collaboration across pediatrics and family services.
• It offers exposure to pediatric psychology consultation for hospitalized children with complex medical needs, reinforcing multidisciplinary care and family-centered treatment planning.

1 month of Outpatient Community Psychiatry

• Will take place at  Portage Path Behavioral Health.
• Since 1971, this has been a nonprofit community mental health center that helps area residents, regardless of their ability to pay, recover from mental illness and related substance use issues.
• High quality services are partially paid for through insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or under contract with the county of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (Summit County ADM Board).
• Enhanced services and innovation are funded through private donations from individuals, companies, and foundations who care about the community.

1 month of Forensic Psychiatry

• Will take place at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare (Northfield)
• It is a state-run Regional Psychiatric Hospital operated by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services.
• It provides secure inpatient psychiatric care for adults from Northeast Ohio and serves as a referral site for court-ordered admissions, including competency restoration and treatment associated with criminal proceedings.
• It emphasizes multidisciplinary inpatient care, exposure to forensic evaluations, risk assessment, and close collaboration with courts and community agencies

2 months of Electives

• See below for a list of electives

Weekend Shifts

• No 24-Hour Shifts
• Saturday and Sunday - from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Emergency Department and Consult Liaison service
• Once every 4 weeks

PGY-3 Year

PGY-3 Year rotation calendar

12 months of Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Continuity Clinics

• Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic:
• Weekly half-day geriatric psychiatry clinic
• Psychotherapy:
• Continuity cases embedded for weekly/biweekly sessions
• Group Therapy:
• Lead a 10-week Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) group
• Protected Time:
• Half-day/week administrative time
• 2 hours/week research/scholarly activity
• Education:
• 1 hour after each clinic day for case-based educational discussion

Call or Weekend Shift Expectations

• No CALL or weekend shift requirements

PGY-4 Year

PGY-4 Year rotation calendar

3 months of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

• Will be acting as a Jr. Attending

3 months of Inpatient Psychiatry

• Will be acting as a Jr. Attending

6 months of Electives
Call or Weekend Shift Expectations

• No Call or weekend shift requirements 

Elective Options
Below is a non-exhaustive list of elective opportunities available to our residents.

• Interventional Psychiatry
• Consultation Liaison Psychiatry
• Transplant Psychiatry
• Epilepsy
• Psychotherapy
• Women’s Mental Health
• Neuropsychiatry
• General Inpatient Psychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Inpatient Substance Use Detox
• Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient
• Emergency Department Psychiatry
• Bioethics
• Sleep Medicine and Psychology
• Chronic Pain
• Mood Disorder Intensive Outpatient
• DBT Intensive Outpatient
• Psycho-oncology
• TMS
• Neuroimmunology
• Neuroradiology
• Bariatric Psychology
• Child Psychiatry – Inpatient
• Child Psychiatry Consults
• Research
• Longitudinal outpatient subspecialty clinics
• Women's Health (with OBGYN)

Moonlighting

PGY-3 and PGY-4s have the ability to moonlight internally or externally with Program Director and Graduate Medical Education approval.

Didactics

Curriculum

Cumulative curriculum on topics necessary for psychiatric development including specific seminar series.

• First month of onboarding didactics
• All PGY-1 residents will have didactic sessions covering essential information to familiarize them with Psychiatry at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
• It provides the PGY-1 residents with valuable knowledge and resources to aid in their development. Included in this training experience will be:

• Interview skills
• Mental status exam
• Suicide risk assessment
• Documentation
• Professionalism
• Mood disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Dementia/Delirium
• Substance abuse disorders
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)/Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Medical and Psychiatric Practice Requirements
• Medical Note Writing Skills
• Psychiatric Interview Skills
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• Introduction to the DSM-5
• Critical Appraisal Skills
• Introduction to Psychotherapy
• PRITE and Board Review
• Introduction to Consultation Liaison and Emergency Psychiatry
• Introduction to Geriatric Psychiatry
• Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP)
• Introduction to Community Psychiatry
• Introduction to Forensic Psychiatry
• Introduction to Addiction Psychiatry
• Introduction to Sleep Medicine
• Evaluation and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
• Advanced Psychotherapy Skills
• Advanced Research Methods
• Neurology for Psychiatrists
• Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
• Advanced Psychopharmacology
• Introduction to a Career and Leadership in Psychiatry
• Psychiatric Genetics
• Seminars:
• Critical appraisal skills
• Didactics based on teaching skills to critically appraise journal articles
• Cinema and psychiatry
• The residents will watch movies that have a psychiatry or psychology related theme.
• The goal is to critically appraise these movies and discuss their perspective on these movies to learn about psychiatry and psychology in different cultures.
• Introduction to research methods
• The goal is to become familiar with research methods in psychiatry. They will also receive instruction in biostatistics.
• Residents will be expected to participate in quality improvement (QI) projects, writing research/review papers and developing scientific presentations for both podium and poster presentations.

Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds are the highlight of our department’s academic calendar. Nationally renowned speakers are invited to present lectures on special topics based on their areas of expertise.

Additionally, our residents have the opportunity to join Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Grand Rounds virtually each week, giving them valuable exposure to a wide range of perspectives and expertise across the field.

Teaching Faculty

Teaching Faculty

• Michel Farivar, MD - Chairman, Inpatient
• Silpa Balachandran, MD - Program Director, Outpatient Geriatric Psychiatry
• Jacob Wardyn, MD – Associate PD, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
• Branden Vugrnick, MD - Associate PD, Outpatient
• Rebecca Cirino, DO - Inpatient
• Stephen Ferber, MD - Interventional Psychiatry
• Lori Pittinger, MD - Outpatient
• Tanathun Kajornsakchai, MD - Addiction Psychiatry
• Mikhail Heber, MD - Outpatient
• Reetta Marciano, MD - Outpatient Women's Health

Non-physician teaching faculty

• Rachida Bouhenni, MS, PhD
• Coda Derrig, PhD
• Anna Dugovich, PharmD

Application

Applications to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Psychiatry Residency Program are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) ONLY. For more information, visit the ERAS website. Specific questions about the program can be directed to the Program Manager, Jennifer Hayes.

We offer 4 PGY1 positions each academic year.

Application requirements:

• Complete Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Medical School Transcript
• Dean’s Letter
• Minimum of 3 letters of recommendation. Two letters from psychiatrists within 1-year prior to the start date of residency. One letter must be from a psychiatrist within the United States showing experience/exposure to a US healthcare system.
• Personal Statement
• ECFMG certification (if applicable)
• Maximum of five (5) years graduation from Medical School.

International applicants:

• We offer both J-1 and H-1b visas for international applicants.
• We are looking for candidates with psychiatry experience in the U.S. (e.g. Externship, Observership or Research; minimum of six months).
• USMLE/COMLEX
• Passing score on USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX. All applications are reviewed independently.
• USMLE STEP 3 is not required for application or match but will be required for H1b visa sponsorship.

We interview candidates on Wednesdays, October through January during this academic year.

For questions, contact Jennifer Hayes, program manager, on 330.344.6140 or hayesj2@ccf.org.

Current Residents

PGY-1

Noah King
Undergraduate: The University of Akron
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine

Michael Mullinax
Undergraduate: Fordham University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Akshaya Sekharan
Undergraduate: The University of Chicago
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School Of Medicine

Tasi Smith
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of

Janae McGuirk, MD
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

PGY-2

Jasmine Issa, DO
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Anureet Sekhon, MBBS
Undergraduate: Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Science
Medical School: Sri Guru Ram Das Institute Of Medical Sciences & Research

Brian “Alex” Stanley, MD
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Boonshoft School of Medicine Wright State University

Emily Turnquist, MD
Undergraduate: Kansas State University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

PGY-3

Jonathan Evers, DO
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Austin Krantz, MD
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Jonathan Sasse, MD
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Alexander White, MD
Undergraduate: Miami University
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Research & Innovation

Residents are required to participate in meaningful scholarly activity, which may include conducting research, presenting at a regional or national meeting, or publishing a book chapter. In addition, each resident completes a Quality Improvement (QI) or patient safety project as part of their training.

Our residents are strongly encouraged and supported to share their work at prestigious national meetings such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Academy of Consult-Liaison Psychiatry (ACLP), as well as at regional conferences. These opportunities not only showcase their scholarship but also connect them with leaders in the field, fostering professional growth and future career opportunities.

All residents are required to deliver a Grand Rounds presentation prior to graduation

For more information about resident research in Psychiatry, please contact:

Rachida Bouhenni, PhD
Health Scientist
330.344.6064
bouhenr@ccf.org

Benefits

Salary

We offer competitive salaries for all residents. Salary rates are reassessed yearly.

Vacation, leave, & meetings

Three weeks of PTO (15 business days) for each academic year.

Maternity and parental leave:

• Available to all full-time caregivers beginning on the date of hire.
• Mothers receive 100% paid maternity leave for 8 consecutive weeks following childbirth.
• Parents receive 100% paid parental leave for 4 consecutive weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.

FMLA: Up to12 weeks protected leave for qualifying family and/or personal medical reasons.

Note: Please see official institutional policy for exact details

Sick days: 5 days

Conference/Educational Days: 5 days

• For conferences, workshops, boards, or scholarly events

Interview Days: 10 days

• For Fellowship or job interviews.

Educational expenses

Educational Allowance (approved educational materials)

• 1st & 2nd year residents: $ 1000
• 3rd & 4th year residents: $ 1100

Scholarly/Research Activities:

• Maximum reimbursement of $2,500 per calendar year for the purpose of presenting or engaging in leadership roles within national societies.
• Must be the first author and presenter.
• Must have worked with a Cleveland Clinic Akron General faculty member.

Board Review Allowance

• An allotted amount of funding is available for an approved course during the PGY-4 year only.
• Can only be used for ONE approved Board Review course.

Insurance

Medical insurance is provided through Aetna and includes 100% coverage for preventive care. A variety of plan options are available to accommodate individual and family needs. Coverage also includes a prescription drug benefit available at all Cleveland Clinic and CVS Pharmacy locations. Dental coverage is offered through Cigna, and vision insurance is available through EyeMed. Residents may also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.

401k plan

The Cleveland Clinic 401(k) Plan, managed by Fidelity Investments, is funded through your own pre-tax, Roth, and/or after-tax contributions, along with corresponding employer matching contributions, though it's important to note that after-tax contributions do not receive a match. All newly hired or newly eligible caregivers are automatically enrolled in the plan to contribute 3% of their pay on a pre-tax basis, beginning 31 days after their start date.

On-site amenities

• Free on-site parking
• White coats & scrubs with laundry service
• 24/7 fitness center access
• Weekly meal stipend (cafeteria & Panera)
• Residents’ lounge (4th floor)
• Dedicated psychiatry call room

Alumni

Costanzo Filippo, DO
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

Hyunyoung Kim, DO
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Children’s National Hospital.

Aiesha Polakampalli, DO
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine

Gargi Bhattacharya, MD
Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine

Paul Ferns, DO
Psychiatrist at Serenity Mental Health Center

Lacey Jeong, MD
Psychiatrist at Serenity Mental Health Center

Rameez Sultan, DO
Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at University Hospitals