Children's National Hospital/George Washington University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Neurodevelopmental disabilitiesACGME Code:
1861012008The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Fellowship at Children’s National Hospital, known as the LEND-CN Fellowship, is a specialized training program designed to prepare professionals from various disciplines to effectively support children with developmental disabilities (DD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This program is charged with the mission of improving public health systems by enhancing the expertise and leadership capacity of practitioners and policymakers, emphasizing family-centered and culturally competent approaches to care.
Overview of the Program
The primary goal of the LEND-CN Fellowship is to develop a cohort of interdisciplinary professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize, diagnose, and advocate for interventions beneficial to children with DD and their families. The program focuses on increasing the number of knowledgeable practitioners and policy leaders while promoting awareness and understanding of developmental disabilities in the healthcare landscape 1.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum comprises a two-semester educational program spanning a total of 29 weeks. Each semester is segmented into three developmental age categories: early childhood, school age, and adolescents/young adults. This division allows for targeted training on developmental conditions prevalent in these age groups, particularly emphasizing autism spectrum disorder. The curriculum weaves together biological, genetic, and sociocultural dimensions of brain development impacting behavior and development 1.
Didactic Training
Participants engage in didactic training sessions that are available both in-person and virtually, accommodating a diverse array of learning preferences during ongoing public health considerations. The didactic sessions cover key policies, interventions, and the underlying genetic mechanisms affecting brain development, fostering a comprehensive understanding of effective practices from interdisciplinary perspectives 1.
Interdisciplinary Practice
Trainees partaking in the LEND-CN Fellowship will engage in clinical services through interdisciplinary teams, emphasizing collaborative practice. Each participant will serve on multiple teams throughout the program, with at least one team focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of ASD each year. Additionally, various clinics—ranging from the Autism Behavioral Consult Team to the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Clinic—will provide participants with hands-on clinical experience 1.
Applied Experiences and Scholarships
Participants will partake in community engagement activities, including attending advocacy group meetings and participating in discussions about interdisciplinary evaluations. Long-term trainees are paired with faculty mentors to pursue individualized projects that culminate in presentations during the annual Research, Education & Innovation Week at Children’s National 1.
Levels of Training
The program accommodates participants at different educational levels, including long-term, medium-term, and short-term trainees. Long-term trainees commit to over 300 hours of training, which entails a stipend and culminates in a significant project. Medium-term trainees engage in focused didactics and experiences ranging from 40 to 149 hours, while short-term trainees complete up to 40 hours primarily through didactic methods 1.
Application Requirements
Prospective trainees must submit an application which includes two letters of reference, an essay detailing their interest in the fellowship, an academic transcript, and a curriculum vitae (CV). Special consideration is given to self-advocate and family member candidates, reflecting the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion 1.
Visa Support and Eligibility
The program supports trainees with visa sponsorship for various visa types, ensuring that international candidates can participate fully in the fellowship. Additionally, the LEND-CN Fellowship is designed to be highly competitive, yet friendly towards applicants from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) 1.
Competitive Nature and Selection Criteria
Admittance into the LEND-CN Fellowship is competitive, with particular attention to academic performance and relevant experience within the fields related to child neurodevelopment. Applicants must have a strong track record in their applications, given the program's emphasis on developing leadership in multidisciplinary settings 1.
Annual Events and Networking Opportunities
Throughout the fellowship, participants can engage with various networking opportunities and annual events, allowing them to connect with professionals working in diverse settings within child health. Such events enhance the learning experience and foster collaboration between current trainees, alumni, and faculty leading to a broad professional network across different disciplines involved in child health and developmental care 1.
Website
Director
Sinan Turnacioglu, MDNeurodevelopmental Pediatrician Appointed Since July 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$58,698First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
13.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
Interview Questions
