Program Overview

Program Description

The Stanford Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program aims to train the next generation of leaders in forensic psychiatry, embodying the highest standards of ethics, scientific rigor, scholarship, and professionalism. The program is ACGME accredited for 2 fellows.

Program Structure

The fellowship program includes rotations in various settings, such as:

• Correctional rotations: Based in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) system, primarily at San Quentin and CMF (California Medical Facility).
• Department of State Hospitals (DSH) rotations: Conducting forensic assessments, such as Offenders with a Mental Health Disorder (OMHD) assessments, restoration of competence evaluations, and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity extensions.
• VA PM&R inpatient and outpatient units: Developing expertise in evaluating claims of brain damage and other biological factors in leading to offensive behaviors.
• Santa Clara County court panel: Performing court-appointed forensic psychiatric examinations, including competency to stand trial evaluations and evaluations of criminal responsibility.
• Forensic Clinic: Participating in managing patients designated as Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) under California law.

Didactic Curriculum

The program's didactic curriculum connects fellows to a network of forensic psychiatrists and psychologists. Program faculty meet with fellows in twice-monthly case conferences to share insights on forensic assessment, report-writing, and planning for testimony in a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Fellows will also participate in a Landmark Case Seminar reviewing holdings in the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law's landmark cases.

Scholarly Projects

Fellows have protected time throughout the year to pursue scholarly projects. Stanford's unified campus enables ideal conditions for cross-fertilization and idea incubation, driving innovation and scholarship.

Stipends and Bonuses

The annual stipend and benefits can be found on the GME website. Note that incoming forensic psychiatry fellows are considered to be PGY-5s, regardless of prior fellowships completed.

Stipends

Effective: 9/14/2025

• Job Title | Annual
  • PGY I CIR/SEIU | $96,948.80
  • PGY II CIR/SEIU | $101,192.00
  • PGY III CIR/SEIU | $107,868.80
  • PGY IV CIR/SEIU | $113,276.80
  • PGY V CIR/SEIU | $119,558.40
  • PGY VI CIR/SEIU | $124,280.00
  • PGY VII CIR/SEIU | $130,540.80
  • PGY VIII CIR/SEIU | $135,865.60

How to Apply

The Association of Directors of Forensic Psychiatry Fellowships (ADFPF) has chosen to use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Match Program (NRMP, "the match") for the application season.

Key Dates for Initial Applications

• July 2, 2025: Applicants may apply to forensic psychiatry fellowships via ERAS.
• July 16, 2025: Forensic psychiatry fellowship programs begin to review applications on the ERAS platform.
• July 16, 2025 and after: Forensic psychiatry fellowship programs interview applicants via Thalamus (or other optional platforms).

Key Dates for the Match

• August 6, 2025: Match Registration opens.
• September 3, 2025: Ranking opens.
• September 17, 2025: Quota Change and Withdrawal deadline.
• October 8, 2025: Rank Order List Certification deadline.
• October 22, 2025: Match Day.

Program Leadership and Faculty

• James Armontrout, MD: Program Director, Stanford University Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship
• Nicole Brooks, MD: Associate Program Director, Stanford University Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship
• Grace Cheney, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Octavio Choi, MD, PhD: Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Whitney Daniels, MD: Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development
• Ana C. DiRago, Ph.D.: Adjunct Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (General Psychiatry and Psychology)
• Matthew L. Edwards, MD: Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (General Psychiatry and Psychology)
• Michael Golding, MD: External Supervisor, Chief Psychiatrist - Statewide Mental Health Program, California Department of Corrections
• Rona Hu, MD: Clinical Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• R. Scott Johnson, MD, JD, LLM:
• Gloria M. Kardong MD, DLFAPA, DABPN: Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Carolina Klein, MD: Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Kathie Lin, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor, Neurology & Neurological Sciences
• Mark Levy, MD: Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Margaret May, MD: Clinical Assistant Professor (Affiliated)
• Roxanne Rassti, PhD: External Supervisor, Department of State Hospitals Atascadero Rotation
• James H Reich, MD: Adjunct Professor, Psych/General Psychiatry and Psychology (Adult)
• Richard J. Shaw, M.D.: Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Child & Adolescent Psychiatry), Emeritus