Courtenay Matsu, MD
1997-2002
Program Director, General Psychiatry Residency
Co-director, Triple Board Program
Why did you choose Brown Triple Board?
I think ultimately it was the right fit at the right time. The people I met during the interview were friendly, open and warm-hearted. Who can forget meeting Marsha by the dolphin of Hasbro? The triple board residents were welcoming and there was a sense of collegiality through all the disciplines (pediatrics, general psychiatry and child psychiatry) and through all levels (residents, staff and attendings). Triple boarders were well-regarded and well-trained with some going on to pediatrics or child psychiatry fellowships.
What did you enjoy about your triple board training?
I found that the experiences and impressions during my interview were right on target. The warmth and caring of people I encountered continued throughout my residency training. I made valuable friendships and feel very much a part of a family. AACAP meetings are enjoyable as a time to catch up with each other…to hear about families as well as careers. The diversity of career paths following triple board training continues to amaze me.
How does your triple board training impact your practice now? Currently I am the training director at the University of Hawaii General Psychiatry Residency Program and the Co-director of their Triple Board Program. I think a major impact has been the mentorship and role modeling of my colleagues, attendings and most of all, our program director, Dr. Henrietta Leonard. During training I had never imagined being in the role that I am in today. I admire her graciousness, her seemingly effortlessness in balancing academics, research, clinical services and family and her enduring belief in and encouragement of one’s potential.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to train at the Brown Triple Board Program, for the friendships and experiences and for the multitude of paths which have been shown to me. I hope that I, too, am able to create this for our trainees here in Hawaii.