National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a distinguished program dedicated to training military physicians in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Situated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, the fellowship spans two years and is designed for those who have already completed a residency in psychiatry. This program is specifically tailored for military professionals, encompassing the distinct needs of military families and the challenges they face.

Program Overview

The fellowship provides a comprehensive training experience aimed at equipping fellows with the skills to deliver evidence-based clinical services to children and families within military settings. Trainees will work alongside a multidisciplinary team, which includes pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, and developmental specialists. This aspect of collaboration enhances the fellows' ability to advocate for and address the complex mental health needs of their patients 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum encompasses various educational components that include didactics, seminars, and clinical experiences. Fellows will engage in diverse didactic sessions focusing on topics such as psychotherapy techniques, developmental psychopathology, and family therapy. The structured curriculum includes:

• First Year: Core seminars in child psychotherapy (psychodynamic, play-based, CBT), integrated growth and development, psychopharmacology, and digital health in behavioral health.
• Second Year: Mastery of advanced topics including consultation-liaison services, substance abuse treatment for children, and forensic psychiatry lectures.

Weekly activities such as the Clinician’s Corner and Grand Rounds also foster a supportive learning environment where current cases are discussed and best practices are shared among peers and faculty members 1.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will complete clinical rotations across multiple settings, including the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Augusta Military Medical Center, and specialized institutions such as the Children’s National Medical Center and the Center for Traumatic Stress. These rotations provide fellows with practical experience and expose them to a variety of child psychiatric conditions in both outpatient and inpatient settings 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

An integral aspect of the fellowship is the focus on research and quality improvement. Fellows will engage in scholarly activities by collaborating with faculty on research projects and quality initiatives within the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. This includes a rotation at the Center for Traumatic Stress, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled in clinical care but also in the academic facets of psychiatry 1.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The fellowship generally attracts a competitive pool of applicants. While it is primarily aimed at military candidates, it is also open to qualified civilian applicants. Applicants must have completed a psychiatry residency or be at least at the PGY3 level for those entering through the accelerated 3+2 program. There are no maximum failed STEP exam limits specified, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Applicants should be prepared for virtual interviews that typically last around 45 minutes 1.

Visa Support

The fellowship offers visa support where applicable, catering to international medical graduates (IMGs) wishing to gain training within the program. The specific types of visas sponsored may include J-1 and H-1B visas, depending on the candidate's qualifications and needs 1.

Well-Being Initiatives

The well-being of both fellows and faculty is prioritized within the program. Scheduled wellness activities and opportunities to take military leave are embedded within the training structure to ensure a supportive environment that fosters emotional resilience and mental health 1.

Teaching and Mentorship

Second-year fellows are given mentorship roles, providing guidance to medical students from USUHS and other institutions. This fosters a rich educational atmosphere and ensures the continued development of teaching skills among trainees 1.