Michigan State University Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Michigan State University is a distinct program that emphasizes a unique blend of academic and community-focused training. It is one of the few programs in the nation and the third such program in the state, being an integral part of the university's medical education framework.

The fellowship program combines rigorous academia with hands-on experience. The training occurs in various health care institutions around Lansing and neighboring communities, including notable partnerships with established facilities such as the University of Michigan and several community mental health organizations. This setting allows fellows to work with a diverse patient population and tackle complex mental health issues prevalent among children and adolescents. The collaborative spirit is evident as fellows train closely with five full-time child and adolescent psychiatry faculty members along with multiple community-based faculty members, thereby enhancing their educational experience and professional development.

Curriculum

The fellowship's curriculum encompasses a wide range of clinical experiences, which are imperative for developing competent child and adolescent psychiatrists. Fellows rotate through multiple community-based settings alongside two pediatric hospitals. Such exposure is critical for a comprehensive understanding of the clinical landscape.

Didactics and Seminars

Didactic learning plays an important role in the fellowship. Weekly seminars cover essential topics such as developmental processes and psychosocial treatment modalities in the first year, transitioning to more complex areas like forensic psychiatry and adolescent substance use in the second year. Additional educational activities include:

• Case conferences and evaluations.
• Research methods and journal clubs.
• Grand Rounds held monthly to discuss special topics and morbidity and mortality cases in psychiatry.
• Parent and Adolescent Groups facilitated by fellows, utilizing evidence-based CBT approaches.
• Annual residency wellness days, encouraging self-care and mental health awareness.

Training Sites

The training sites for the fellowship are extensive, enabling fellows to gain experience in a variety of settings. Key facilities include:

• Clinton Eaton Ingham Community Mental Health
• Hurley Medical Center
• Lansing School District
• Michigan State University Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic
• University of Michigan Inpatient Services

Application Requirements

Application to the fellowship is facilitated through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

• A U.S. or Canadian medical school graduation or an equivalent international medical degree with valid ECFMG certification.
• A minimum of two years of adult psychiatry training.
• A USMLE or COMLEX score of at least 75 on each exam.
• Proof of having passed the Clinical Skills Assessment Exam.
• A strong verbal and written command of the English language.
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrating a commitment to child and adolescent psychiatry.
• Candidates must hold a permanent visa or be U.S. citizens to qualify for residency training in the program.

Visa Support

The program can sponsor candidates with the necessary visa types, ensuring that qualified international medical graduates have the opportunities to apply.

Competitiveness

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Michigan State University is highly regarded and competitive, attracting applicants from various backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. Candidates are rigorously evaluated on their aptitude for the specialty and commitment to child and adolescent mental health.

Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, dental coverage, and additional perks such as vacation and CME reimbursement. For the academic year 2022-2023, the fellowship provided:

• 20 vacation days.
• 5 CME days with a reimbursement of up to $1,000.

Graduates from the program are well-regarded and find opportunities throughout Michigan, often serving in mid-size and smaller communities, thus fulfilling a crucial role in these areas.