Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals is an ACGME-accredited program designed to train competent physicians who are equipped to provide excellent psychiatric care to children and adolescents. This two-year fellowship prepares fellows to work with children and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring they are adept in treating this unique population throughout the lifespan. The fellowship leverages a broad spectrum of clinical resources and training sites, enriching the fellows' educational experience.

Fellows are engaged in various systems of care, including public and private settings, medical institutions, correctional facilities, and behavioral health environments. The training is structured to encompass longitudinal experiences focusing separately on therapy and medication management. This dual focus allows fellows to gain a comprehensive understanding of pediatric mental health.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship emphasizes a patient-centered approach supplemented by didactic training. Seminars enhance clinical experiences, exploring biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences on development. Faculty members, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise, teach the curriculum, covering crucial topics relevant to child and adolescent psychiatry. This collaborative learning environment aims to prepare fellows to effectively advocate for children and families in their practice and the broader psychiatric profession 1.

Program Rotations

The rotation experience is crucial for the training of fellows. In Year 1, rotations include:

• Aurora Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Partial Hospitalization Program
• Children’s Wisconsin Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
• Pediatric Emergency Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy Clinic
• Psychopharmacology Clinic
• Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Residential Program

Year 2 rotations further enhance the fellowship experience and include:

• Children’s Wisconsin Psychotherapy Clinic
• Center for Child Development
• Child Advocacy Center
• Pediatric Neurology
• Child Psychiatry Consultation Program
• Community Consultation opportunities
• School-based mental health programs

These rotations are strategically designed to expose fellows to varying clinical contexts and patient demographics 1.

Seminars and Didactic Curriculum

Weekly seminars facilitate peer engagement and enhance the learning environment, allowing fellows to interact closely with faculty and other trainees. During the two years, fellows participate in various educational activities including:

• Case Conferences
• Journal Clubs
• Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds

Didactic topics encompass a wide array of critical areas such as psychopharmacology, therapeutic techniques (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), infant mental health, and special issues like the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities 1.

Application Process

The program offers a total of four fellowship positions each year, allowing for a maximum of eight fellows at any given time. Applications are processed through the ERAS system, opening each year on July 1 and closing on November 30. Candidates are evaluated in the fall and invited for interviews to assess their fit for the program 2.

Competitive Landscape

The fellowship is structured to be highly competitive, attracting a range of applicants including those from MD and DO backgrounds. The program is supportive of international medical graduates (IMGs), fostering a diverse trainee cohort.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international fellows, typically offering J-1 and H-1B visa types, which are crucial for non-U.S. citizens seeking advanced training opportunities in the United States.

Special Application Requirements

While specific eligibility criteria can fluctuate, applicants are generally required to have graduated from medical school within the recent years and should typically not have failed any of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) more than once.