Johns Hopkins University Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University is a rigorous training program designed to equip future leaders in the field with extensive clinical, teaching, and research experiences. This two-year fellowship program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach, allowing fellows to engage deeply with diverse clinical cases, specialized training in psychotherapy, and the development of substantial research skills.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive training experience across multiple settings. In the first year, fellows will focus primarily on acute inpatient care at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. They will rotate through various services, including inpatient units, day hospital programs, and consult-liaison services to pediatric programs. This initial year is also supplemented with two months of elective rotations aimed at broadening clinical knowledge in areas such as substance abuse, adolescent care, and developmental disorders.

The second year is predominantly outpatient-focused. Fellows will gain experience working within the Children’s Mental Health Center located in downtown Baltimore, as well as the renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute, which specializes in developmental disabilities. During this year, fellows engage in evidence-based psychotherapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. An elective day each week allows fellows to pursue their interests across the extensive offerings at Johns Hopkins.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship program. Fellows will be encouraged to explore their own research questions while collaborating with faculty on existing projects. The program is affiliated with various ongoing research initiatives covering a range of psychiatric disorders, ensuring that fellows will have access to mentorship and guidance as they develop their research skills.

Fellowship Structure and Rotations

During the first year, fellows participate in a longitudinal outpatient experience spanning both years of the fellowship, designed to bolster the treatment of children and adolescents in a supportive and ongoing context. The first year also consists of structured didactic sessions to enhance clinical knowledge and care strategies. Topics covered include psychopharmacology, ethical considerations, and the nuances of working with child and adolescent populations.

The second year of the fellowship aims to provide intensive outpatient training with additional emphasis on therapeutic interventions. Rotations will include the Children’s Mental Health Clinic and various specialized developmental behavior programs. This design ensures that fellows get a complete understanding of both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, fostering a well-rounded approach to child and adolescent mental health care.

Training Sites

Fellows will predominantly be based at the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center, where they will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary teams. In addition, fellows will work at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Kennedy Krieger Institute, providing a wealth of experiences across different settings that cater to the mental health needs of children and adolescents.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship program at Johns Hopkins is known to be highly competitive, attracting top candidates from across the nation. While the program is rigorous, it is also considered friendly towards applicants with diverse medical backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG pathways. The program values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to learning and advocating for child and adolescent mental health.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible candidates, providing necessary support and guidance for international fellows to succeed in their training and beyond.

Application Requirements

The application process for the fellowship requires candidates to have completed an accredited residency program in psychiatry. Specific requirements may include a year of graduation no more than five years prior, and limitations on failed USMLE Step exams. Candidates are encouraged to provide detailed letters of recommendation attesting to their clinical skills and character.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the unique aspects of this fellowship program is its commitment to fostering leadership qualities in fellows, promoting involvement in community service, and addressing social determinants affecting child and adolescent mental health. Additionally, the fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Leo Kanner, the pioneer of child psychiatry, by instilling principles of innovation, advocacy, and excellence in clinical care.