Children's National Hospital/George Washington University Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program at Children’s National Hospital offers an exceptional training experience aimed at preparing fellows to become proficient child and adolescent psychiatrists. The program emphasizes comprehensive clinical exposure, advocacy, and research opportunities within one of the largest pediatric care facilities in the District of Columbia.

Program Overview

The fellowship focuses on a broad range of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, primarily through clinical experience in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Fellows are part of a multidisciplinary team and gain valuable insights by collaborating with specialists across various fields, including pediatrics, psychology, and adolescent medicine.

This program offers:

• Core clinical rotations in diverse settings
• Protected time for didactic instruction
• Access to specialized outpatient clinics
• Advocacy experiences tailored to enhance understanding of socio-economic dynamics affecting child mental health

Each year, fellows participate in various clinical experiences to provide them with a well-rounded education in child and adolescent psychiatry, thus preparing them for diverse career opportunities post-fellowship 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship is structured over two years with a focused curriculum that includes:

Year One

In the first year, fellows engage in core rotations that involve:

• Adolescent Psychiatric Unit: Inpatient care for adolescents with severe psychiatric conditions.
• Child Psychiatric Unit: Family-centered care for younger children.
• Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Assessment and management of psychiatric needs in hospitalized children.
• Subspecialty Outpatient Clinics: Experience in various clinics focusing on specific child psychiatric issues.

Fellows also benefit from a comprehensive didactic program that covers important topics such as child development, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based practices 3.

Year Two

The second year expands upon the experiences gathered in the first year, allowing for deeper engagement in outpatient psychiatry, community care, and subspecialty clinics. Fellows will take part in:

• Elective opportunities tailored to individual interests
• Research projects, leading to presentations at national meetings
• Clinical supervision and mentorship by leading faculty

This year is designed to empower fellows to develop leadership skills and enhance their understanding of the integrated care model, which is especially crucial amidst the current youth mental health crisis 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship experience at Children’s National. Fellows are encouraged to participate in various clinical research endeavors, collaborate with institutional faculty, and present findings at departmental and national conferences. This is further enriched by access to resources and data from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) 11.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the program's defining features is its strong emphasis on advocacy. The curriculum includes a two-year advocacy course and opportunities to engage in advocacy-related experiences in the community. This aspect is essential for fostering a generation of psychiatrists who not only treat psychiatric disorders but also advocate for mental health policy changes 2.

Application Requirements

The program is open to qualified applicants who have completed a minimum of three years of general psychiatry residency training. Key application components include:

• ERAS application with personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Medical school transcript
• USMLE/COMLEX scores

International applicants must also provide documentation regarding their visa status. The program supports various visa types, including the J-1 and H-1B visas. While the program is competitive, it is noted to be DO/IMG friendly, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds 9.

Visa Sponsorship

Children’s National Hospital provides sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to a diverse cohort of international medical graduates, reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive training environment for all fellows 10.

Life in Washington, D.C.

Fellows can enjoy an enriching personal life in Washington, D.C., with access to a vibrant cultural scene, diverse communities, and numerous recreational activities. The program highlights the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal well-being. Monthly gatherings and wellness initiatives are incorporated into the fellowship experience to ensure that fellows maintain a healthy work-life balance 8.

Wellness and Support

Children’s National prioritizes the wellness of its fellows, offering various resources, including counseling services, social gatherings, and retreats to support mental health and personal well-being. The program emphasizes the importance of self-care, ensuring that fellows have access to support systems both professionally and personally 12.