MaineHealth Program

Overview of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at MaineHealth

The Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center is a two-year training program accredited by the ACGME for six positions. It offers a comprehensive training experience in community mental health, an academic medical center, and a free-standing psychiatric hospital, with a focus on outpatient and inpatient care in diverse settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program provides extensive training in various facets of child and adolescent psychiatry. Major outpatient services are conducted primarily at the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, which serves as Maine's premier referral and training hospital. Inpatient rotations occur at MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor, a specialized psychiatric hospital offering treatment for children and adolescents, including those with developmental disorders.

Training Experience

The program is designed to cultivate a diverse training experience that includes psychopharmacology, case-based learning, and diverse therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and play therapy. Clinical exposure to various treatment settings supports the fellows in developing their professional interests while receiving guidance from a dedicated and multidisciplinary teaching faculty.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the fellowship. The program promotes involvement in ongoing departmental research focusing on topics such as early psychosis, trauma, and genetics of mental health. Support is provided for quality improvement projects and fellows are encouraged to partake in teaching opportunities, including the instruction of medical students and psychiatry residents.

Diversity and Inclusion

MaineHealth is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, which is reflected in the fellowship's recruitment and retention strategies. The fellowship actively engages in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the training experience. This commitment ensures a rich, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere conducive to learning.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The application for the fellowship typically requires candidates to hold an MD or DO degree, have completed a residency in general psychiatry, and meet specific eligibility criteria that may vary. The program aims to recruit a wide range of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive application process.

Visa Support

The Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically provides support for J-1 visa sponsorship, which is commonly sought by international candidates looking to pursue fellowship training in the United States.

Fellow Well-being

Recognizing the demanding nature of post-graduate medical training, the MaineHealth Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship places importance on the well-being of its fellows. Resources are made available to support mental health and personal development, reinforcing the program's holistic approach to training.

Living in Portland, Maine

Portland, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful natural surroundings, offers a high-quality living experience. It provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a supportive environment for families. The fellowship’s location in this city enhances the quality of life for its trainees.