Morehouse School of Medicine Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Morehouse School of Medicine is a unique program that emphasizes health equity, incorporating cultural and structural humility in training. The fellowship aims to produce not just excellent clinicians, but also physician leaders and advocates in mental health care for children and families. This program stands out as the first of its kind at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and focuses on a community-based, culturally informed educational approach to psychiatry.

The curriculum for the fellowship is designed to equip fellows with a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent mental health issues, integrating both inpatient and outpatient experiences. The first year includes rotations in various settings such as inpatient and acute inpatient care, outpatient therapy, and consultation in neurology. This year also covers specialized areas including substance abuse disorders and eating disorders. The second year transitions into outpatient community psychiatry, with experiences in school consultations and specialty outpatient care, thus solidifying the fellows' competencies in psychotherapy and clinical management.

Training Sites

The fellowship provides diverse training experiences across prestigious institutions in the Atlanta area, ensuring fellows gain extensive exposure to different treatment modalities. Key training sites include:

• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta - A leading pediatric hospital where fellows engage in inpatient consult rotations.
• Grady Memorial Hospital - An outpatient integrated care clinic providing services for children with concurrent medical and psychological needs.
• Hillside Hospital - This site emphasizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and serves a demographic that includes middle to upper middle-class patients.
• Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) - Fellows gain insights into providing care to detained children and adolescents, enhancing their understanding of social determinants affecting mental health.
• Families First - A non-profit focused on holistic treatment modalities for underserved populations.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research and advocacy, with fellows encouraged to engage in scholarly activities. Recent collaborations include journal publications addressing inequities that justice-involved youth face when accessing mental health care. Fellows are also involved in community outreach events, enhancing their advocacy skills. The faculty includes experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, including law and psychology, providing a multidisciplinary approach to education and mentorship.

Application Process

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship accepts two to three fellows annually through the CAP Fellowship Match. Eligible candidates must have completed the first year of an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency or an equivalent program. Each applicant must submit documentation via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including letters of recommendation from at least two faculty members and their training director, official USMLE results, and a personal statement highlighting their interest in child psychiatry.

Morehouse School of Medicine offers visa support for fellows requiring J-1 or H-1B visas. This facilitates participation for international graduates, making the program accessible and inclusive.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is designed to be competitive yet supportive of diverse applicants, including both DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). While scores on USMLE exams are important, the program highlights holistic review criteria during selection. The program does not specify a maximum number of failed exams but looks for strong recommendation letters and personal experience in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive stipend during their training, which includes salary adjustments aligned with their training levels—PGY-4 and PGY-5 fellows receive $72,648.99 and $75,968.68 respectively. In addition to the salary, the fellowship provides comprehensive health benefits, vacation time, and educational allowance for conferences and training materials, enhancing the overall training experience.

Program Highlights

The program's highlights include participation in notable conferences and workshops focusing on equity and advocacy in mental health, reflecting the program’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges in mental health care provision for children and adolescents. Moreover, fellows benefit from the rich cultural offerings and professional networking opportunities available in Atlanta, a city known for its historical significance and thriving cultural scene.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is to train exemplary clinicians who are equipped to serve diverse communities and advocate for mental health needs. The program focuses on producing mental health professionals who not only excel clinically but also lead initiatives aimed at improving mental health care access and quality for underserved populations.