The Department of Family and Social Medicine subscribes to a biopsychosocial model of medical practice and training. Therefore, its residency training program incorporates a strong behavioral science component in its curriculum. This psychosocial training is led by a team of behavioral science experts who partner with the medical faculty by co-precepting at the clinics and by developing various educational programs in this area of learning.
The behavioral science team includes five psychologists who are assigned to the different tracks – Family Medicine, Social Pediatrics and Social Internal Medicine – and who develop specific teaching programs according to the unique needs of each specialty. In addition to training and consulting with physicians at the training sites, the behavioral science faculty collaborates on many initiatives in the areas of health services delivery, research and program development. Our contributions often extend to the Preventive Medicine training program, undergraduate education and faculty development.
The psychosocial curriculum is longitudinal and integrated with the medical curriculum. It focuses on specific competencies according to levels of training and areas of expertise (e.g. interpersonal and communication skills; common mental and behavioral health presentations and diagnoses; primary care counseling, health behavior change, etc.). Our approach is learner-centered and there are many opportunities for learners to develop individualized tutorials.
A unique feature of our program is the integration of a sociopolitical and cultural analysis when approaching medical problems as they interface with psychological and interpersonal issues. During clinical precepting and didactic sessions, we strive to examine the impact of sociocultural differences and social inequalities in the clinical encounter as well as in the overall health of the patients, their families and communities.
Our behavioral science unit has been recognized for its pioneering work in integrating a social justice and family systems approach to training and medical practice. Many of our faculty members are nationally known for their contributions in the areas of communication skills, family systems and health, impact of privilege and oppression on clinical and professional issues.
Director
Eliana Catao De Korin, M.A., Dipl.Psic.
Phone: 718.920.5523
ekorin@montefiore.org
Faculty
Tanya White-Davis, Psy.D.
Family Medicine and Social Pediatrics
Phone: 718.920.2828
twhited@montefiore.org
Courtney Bancroft, Psy.D.
Family Medicine and Primary Care Psychology Fellowship Director
Phone: 718.920.2828
cbancroft@montefiore.org
Alison Gurley, Psy.D.
Family Medicine
Phone: 718.920.2828
agurley@montefiore.org
Sabrina Esbitt, PhD
Family Medicine
Phone: 718.920.6268
sesbitt@montefiore.org
