Duke University Hospital Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Duke University Hospital strives to train leaders in clinical and academic psychiatry, particularly for those interested in applying evidence-based practices to care for children and adolescents. The program is designed to empower psychiatrists who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young patients and contributing to the field through various research and educational initiatives. As a two-year, ACGME-accredited program, the fellowship emphasizes clinical excellence, comprehensive training, and mentorship.

Among the core features of the program are exceptional teaching and supervision by faculty members who are recognized experts in their respective fields, exposure to a diverse array of clinical settings, and robust opportunities for psychotherapy and family therapy practices. The program encourages fellows to engage actively in their development through individual interests, electives, and scholarly projects, nurturing both clinical skills and personal wellbeing.

Curriculum and Clinical Training

The program is structured into two main years, during which fellows gain essential experiences across various domains including inpatient and outpatient care, psychotherapy, and emergency psychiatry. Fellows are expected to be actively involved in clinical rotations that take place in specialized clinics, the pediatric psychiatry consult-liaison team, and the emergency psychiatry unit of Duke University Medical Center.1

During the first year, fellows are introduced to clinical settings, including the Duke University Hospital system, assisting with cases from acute distress to complex chronic psychiatric disorders. This foundational training provides exposure to a wide spectrum of conditions, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the typical and atypical presentations of childhood and adolescent mental health issues. A typical schedule encompasses rotations at Central Regional Hospital and pediatric settings at Duke Children’s Hospital, providing hands-on experience in diverse clinical environments.

The second year allows fellows to delve deeper into outpatient child psychiatry and engage in specialized training and research opportunities matching their interests. A diverse range of elective experiences helps fellows refine their clinical focus and therapies suited for their preferred patient populations.2

Childhood Trauma Track

A special feature of the Duke Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is the Childhood Trauma Track (CTT). This track aims to foster expertise in childhood trauma management through a tailored curriculum that includes rotations in trauma clinics and advanced trauma-related psychotherapy training techniques, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Fellows engaging in this track will dedicate considerable hours to clinical experiences, research projects, and advocacy efforts, receiving mentorship from specialized faculty.3

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Duke Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship values diversity and inclusion within its training cohort. Emphasizing the importance of serving a diverse patient population, the fellowship incorporates training that addresses the various cultural, social, and economic factors impacting mental health. Additionally, seminars on anti-racism, structural competency, and health disparities are integrated into the curriculum to ensure that fellows are well-equipped to provide equitable care and serve as advocates for marginalized communities.4

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by sponsoring J-1 visas, making it accessible for foreign medical graduates who meet the eligibility criteria. However, it is important to note that the program does not sponsor H1-B visas. Applicants are encouraged to review specific eligibility requirements and other application processes to ensure compliance with visa regulations.5

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must submit their applications through the designated ERAS portal, accompanied by essential documentation including a personal statement, curriculum vitae, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation from medical professionals. Candidates must have completed USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS, or their equivalents for international medical graduates, prior to commencing the fellowship. Additionally, applicants must be eligible for a Residency Training License in the State of North Carolina.6

Competitiveness of the Program

The Duke Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is recognized for its competitive admissions process, attracting candidates from across the nation and internationally. The program is considered DO and IMG friendly, and it embraces diversity in training backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where all fellows can thrive.

The overall structure of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Duke cultivates significant clinical expertise within a supportive and advanced educational framework, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in psychiatry.