IMPACT OF YOUR GIVING
in support of The Sandra and Leon Levine Adult Psychiatry Residency Program a partnership with Levine Children’s & Levine Cancer Institute
presented with gratitude to The Leon Levine Foundation
The Sandra and Leon Levine
Adult Psychiatry Residency Program
An Accredited, Four-Year Academic Program funded by The Leon Levine Foundation
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is a private professional organization responsible for ensuring the quality of more than 9,600 accredited residency and fellowship programs that are collectively responsible for the education of more than 120,000 residents and fellows.
Accreditation of residency/fellowship programs and sponsoring institutions by the ACGME is a voluntary process of evaluation and review performed by a non-governmental agency of peers. The goals of the process are to evaluate, improve, and publicly recognize graduate medical education programs and sponsoring institutions that are in substantial compliance with the standards of educational quality established by the ACGME. Accreditation protects the interests of residents/fellows; improves the quality of teaching, learning, research, and professional practice; and benefits the public.
ACGME accreditation is overseen by a Review Committee consisting of volunteer specialty experts from the field who set accreditation standards and provide peer evaluation of sponsoring institutions/residency programs. The Sandra & Leon Levine Psychiatry Residency Program was granted Initial Accreditation by the ACGME on April 29, 2016. After the two-year initial accreditation period, the residency program participated in an ACGME site visit on September 12, 2018. Following the site visit, the ACGME Review Committee met and granted the program Continued Accreditation status on February 15, 2019. After achievement of a status of Continued Accreditation, the residency program will undergo an accreditation review every 10 years, preceded by a comprehensive self-study and annual self-reviews.
This 10-year accreditation is recognition of the high standards that Dr. James Rachal, Chairman, Dr. Krystle Graham, Former Program Director, and Dr. Rodney Villanueva, Associate Program Director, have set for the program and the education that the residents receive. The residency is proud of its trainees and its faculty and looks forward to welcoming the ninth class of residents in July 2025.
Faculty Leadership
A Community of Care
In response to community needs and our Behavioral Health Service Line's clinical mission to develop a sustainable system of high-quality patient and family centered care, we have continued to recruit candidates with a passion for community service and academic leadership. To attract, support and retain top candidates interested in serving the diverse needs of our community, we have focused on building a healthy resident community and increasing collaboration and community involvement – both with the goal of centering our purposes as a community psychiatry program.
A Community of Care
Community psychiatry promotes health, recovery, and resilience in people, families, and communities. In line with that aim, we helped expand the school–based services provided by Atrium Health Behavioral Health by establishing a resident–led psychiatry clinic at Queens University. Students attending college are at a critical time of social and emotional development, and this clinic reduces barriers to care for these transitional aged youth. Clinical skills are not the sole way to promote health. Residents participate in local and statewide advocacy and volunteerism, including serving at Queen City Harm Reduction as part of their course on substance use disorders.
PGY –1 “ ”
I chose CMC because during my 4th year rotation here, it felt like home. All the physicians are wonderful teachers and inspiring clinicians. The patient population we serve in Charlotte is vast and diverse, lending itself to the most unique learning opportunities. I’ve felt so supported here the moment I started, and I’ve been so impressed with every aspect of this program. The city of Charlotte is an amazing place to live with so much to do. I really felt like this program would allow me to grow into the best version of myself!
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Dr. Holly Staroba,
A Community of Care –
The program supports the yearly resident retreat and monthly resident meetups to create space for healthy connections and community building. In that space, the residents have developed a supportive community that celebrates successes and comforts in times of difficulty. This year has noted many public victories, along with private difficulties. Residents celebrated first author publications, selection for executive boards, and wedding engagements. Seasons of grief, personal illness, and Hurricane Helene also have helped form their journeys.
“I chose this program for its strong sense of camaraderie among residents. During my medical student rotation, I fell in love with the city and the hospital and was impressed by the amazing clinicians. As an international medical graduate and with the challenges that it brings, I have felt well-supported by residents and faculty. The program's commitment to helping residents shape their careers and interests, combined with its position as a small program within a large healthcare network, offers excellent learning and academic opportunities.”
- Dr. Liliana Gonzalez, PGY-1
Leading The Way
As the academic year comes to an end, one third of our residents are serving or have served on local and statelevel executive boards. An unprecedented number of residents attended the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Los Angeles from May 17 to the 21, and two had coveted podium presentations.
Attending my first conference was an inspiring experience. It was energizing to hear experts speak with such passion while sitting among colleagues who were equally eager to learn and improve the way we care for our patients. I'm already looking forward to attending next year's conference! Thank you!
- Dr. Kritheeka Kalathil, PGY-2
Residency to Faculty Pipeline
Amber Butler, MD
Residency Class of 2024
Faculty in Adult Integrated Continuum Clinic
Bradford Hutcheson, MD
Residency Class of 2024
Forensics Fellow Class of 2025 Forensic Faculty
Rikera Curry, MD
Residency Class of 2025
Faculty in Outpatient Medication Services Clinic
“I chose to stay with Atrium Health due to the well-rounded training experience that emphasized exposure to various aspects of the behavioral health service line, including emergency psychiatry, interventional psychiatry, and addiction medicine. I have personally witnessed how patients with a wide-range of treatment needs have benefited from the wrap around services we offer (ex. Partial Hospital, Eagle program, and ACTT, amongst others). I value having continued access to supportive faculty and resources that will enhance the care that I provide to my patients as I launch my career.”
- Dr. Rikera Curry, PGY-4
