psychiatrist

As an Independent Medical Examiner specializing in Psychiatry, you will evaluate NYSLRS members applying for disability retirement on psychiatric grounds including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other conditions that impair a member's ability to perform the duties of their position. Psychiatric IMEs require a particular emphasis on objective clinical findings, careful review of treatment history, and precise functional capacity determination. Primary Responsibilities Conduct thorough, objective Independent Medical Examinations of NYSLRS disability applicants referred by ESO Review all provided medical records, test results, and claimant history prior to the examination (records delivered via Biscom Secure File Transfer at least 48 hours in advance) Respond specifically to NYSLRS's examination questions regarding: disability status, causation, permanency, treatment recommendations, and return-to-work capacity Complete and submit a comprehensive, compliant IME Report within 30 days of each examination via Biscom Secure File Transfer Correct any report deficiencies identified by NYSLRS within 14 calendar days at no additional charge Make yourself available for pre-hearing consultations with NYSLRS's counsel when cases proceed to administrative hearings Testify at administrative disability hearings in-person or via Webex when scheduled under oath on your findings, the member's disability status, and causation Notify ESO immediately of any changes to your license status, board certification, or professional standing Examination Types You May Be Assigned Major depressive disorder single and recurrent episodes, treatment-resistant presentations Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) particularly common among law enforcement, corrections, emergency services, and first responders Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder Bipolar disorder (I and II) including impact on cognition and functioning Schizophrenia spectrum disorders Adjustment disorders in the context of workplace events, injury, or life stressors Substance use disorders with dual diagnosis evaluation as clinically indicated Cognitive and neurocognitive presentations with a psychiatric component Fitness for duty and return-to-work evaluations in behavioral health IME Report RequirementsEach report submitted to NYSLRS must include: Member demographics, photo ID, and government-issued identification Presenting psychiatric complaint, symptom history, onset, and trajectory Full review of psychiatric and relevant medical records including therapy notes, inpatient records, and psychopharmacology history Mental status examination appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process, thought content, insight, judgment, cognition Diagnostic impression with DSM-5 criteria applied Your medical opinion on: psychiatric diagnosis, relationship to service/employment, permanency, prognosis, treatment compliance and adequacy, and capacity to perform essential job functions Assessment of malingering or symptom exaggeration where clinically relevant (structured approach preferred) Direct, concrete answers to all NYSLRS examination questions QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Required All Candidates NY License: Active, unrestricted New York State medical license in good standing ABMS Certification: Current ABMS board certification in Psychiatry (verification required at certificationmatters.org) Clean Record: No history of professional misconduct, pending investigations, or disciplinary proceedings with the NY State Department of Health, Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC), or any licensing board English Proficiency: Strong written and verbal English proficiency IME reports and hearing testimony must be clear, precise, and legally defensible Exa