Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) offers a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, a reputable program dedicated to the education and training of future child and adolescent psychiatrists. This two-year fellowship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and enrolls two fellows each year, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high educational standards and personalized training experiences.

Program Overview

The fellowship strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate care through evidence-based practices. The program integrates academic training with exposure to a diverse patient population, including urban, suburban, and rural communities. This unique blend ensures that fellows are well-prepared to encounter various psychiatric disorders and treatment challenges in children and adolescents. The learning atmosphere fosters respect, diversity, and professionalism, and aims to cultivate holistic understanding in mental health care based on bio-social-cultural approaches to psychiatric disorders 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum comprehensively covers different aspects of child and adolescent psychiatry. The first year comprises 13 four-week rotations, while the second year features a continuous clinic experience:

• PGY-1 Rotations: Fellows will undergo training in various settings, including emergency psychiatry, inpatient child units, and outpatient services.
• PGY-2 Rotations: The second year continues with a focus on outpatient psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, and developmental medicine, along with opportunities for elective rotations to align with personal career aspirations.

Additional educational experiences include weekly learning half-days which encompass group supervision, a journal club, a patient-care conference, and lectures from seasoned faculty. This structure promotes development in clinical skills and provides ample opportunities for case discussions 4.

Clinical Facilities

Fellows will have hands-on experience in several esteemed facilities:

• Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest: A primary training site recognized for comprehensive mental health services, particularly within consult liaison psychiatry where extensive multidisciplinary teamwork occurs.
• Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg: This facility houses a specialized adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit that provides intensive treatment for youths experiencing mental health crises.
• Mental Health Clinics: In the third year, fellows will work in outpatient clinics catering to long-term psychiatric care, focusing on assessment and continuous management for patients aged 18 and older.

These clinical settings enhance the fellows' skills and ensure exposure to a broad demographic with varied psychiatric conditions 5.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the fellowship, with all fellows expected to engage in scholarly activities. These projects can take various forms, including clinical trials, literature reviews, qualitative studies, and presentations at departmental meetings. This research-focused component aims to enrich the fellows’ knowledge and contribute to the advancement of child and adolescent psychiatry 9.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The fellowship accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must have completed 3-4 years of residency training in either ACGME or AOA accredited psychiatry programs. Key application requirements include:

• Completion of USMLE/COMLEX Steps I, II, and III
• CV and three letters of recommendation (one from a psychiatry rotation)
• Personal statement and photo

The program also supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships for international medical graduates, considering applications on a case-by-case basis. It is particularly friendly towards candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates 6 8.

Fellow Benefits

Fellows at LVHN enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Four weeks of vacation annually
• Paid time off (PTO) for conference attendance
• Stipend for continuing education
• Annual wellness activity funds and access to fitness centers

These benefits enhance the personal and professional growth experiences of the fellows beyond just clinical training 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty at LVHN comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the educational advancement of fellows. They provide mentorship and guidance throughout the fellowship, ensuring a supportive environment conducive to professional development. Faculty specialties include child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, and more 7.