MindGames: Where Psychiatry Residents Shine Through Knowledge and Teamwork
Every year, psychiatry residents from across the United States—and beyond—come together for a challenge that’s equal parts brainpower, teamwork, and fun: MindGames, the American Psychiatric Association’s national residency team competition.
MindGames is an academic contest designed to test and celebrate the extensive medical knowledge and clinical acumen of psychiatry residents. It’s a national team competition that invites residency programs to form teams of three residents to compete in a rigorous, timed quiz-format exam covering topics such as:
- Patient care principles
- Psychiatry and general medical knowledge
- History of psychiatry
How the Competition Works
Each year, the MindGames cycle begins in early February with an online qualifying exam. Teams meet virtually to tackle 125 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, striving not only for accuracy but also speed. At the end of this phase, the top ten scoring teams are announced at the AADPRT meeting in March. The three highest-scoring teams with the fastest times are invited to advance to the live final round at the APA Annual Meeting in May.
The live event brings together the best of the best to answer questions in front of peers and faculty, combining educational excellence with competition-style excitement.
Why MindGames Matters
MindGames isn’t just a quiz—it serves several important roles in psychiatric education:
Reinforces Clinical and Academic Knowledge
By aligning the competition with board-relevant material, MindGames motivates residents to deepen their grasp of clinical psychiatry and related medical knowledge.
Builds Teamwork
Teams work intensively together. Whether studying with peers or competing live on stage, residents strengthen professional bonds that often last throughout training and beyond.
Highlights Residency Program Strengths
Success in MindGames brings recognition not only to the residents but to their home programs.
Get Involved!
If you’re a psychiatry resident—or part of a training program looking to boost academic engagement—MindGames is an exciting opportunity to challenge your knowledge, represent your institution, and celebrate psychiatry in a fun, competitive arena.
For full details, rules, and registration information, click the link below.