Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Penn State Health Children's Hospital represents a comprehensive two-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in child and adolescent psychiatry. This program accepts two fellows each year and provides a wide array of training experiences and research opportunities in the dynamic field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

Applications for the fellowship are accepted from candidates who are in any year beyond PGY-3; thus, this allows for a diverse pool of applicants poised to enhance their skills in a collaborative learning environment. The program is situated within a robust academic center known for its high-quality didactic programs, clinical initiatives, and research training, all tailored specifically for future child psychiatrists.

Training Environment and Diversity

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center serves a wide-ranging patient population representative of multiple cultural backgrounds, which includes significant Amish, Mennonite, and immigrant communities in southeastern and central Pennsylvania. This not only enriches the training experience but also allows fellows to work effectively in diverse clinical settings, enhancing their competency in culturally sensitive psychiatric care 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The core of the fellowship encompasses a detailed, integrated didactic curriculum spanning 40 hours per week, focusing on essential topics such as child development, developmental psychopathology, pediatric psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy. Monthly journal clubs and case conferences provide avenues for fellows to sharpen their critical thinking skills and stay updated with evidence-based practices 1.

The clinical rotations are structured comprehensively across the two years. During the first year, fellows engage in various outpatient specialties, such as clinics focused on ADHD, autism, and anxiety, as well as the child inpatient unit at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. The second year emphasizes community child psychiatry, with further rotations that allow for practical experience in diverse environments, including forensic child psychiatry and developmental clinics 1.

Elective Opportunities

Fellows have substantial elective time during their second year, which they can utilize to pursue research interests or partake in various clinical electives tailored to their career aspirations. This customization of training is encouraged to ensure that each fellow can focus on areas most pertinent to their future professional endeavors 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with structured opportunities for fellows to participate in departmental and institutional research days. Many fellows engage in research that leads to presentations at national conferences and publications in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals 1. The program's environment fosters collaboration between fellows and faculty, enhancing the prospects for impactful research outcomes.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The application to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship must be processed through ERAS, and candidates are considered for both a national residency matching program and a prematch option. Qualified applicants can be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a J-1 visa, with no additional visa types sponsored. Notably, board eligibility or certification in pediatrics is required for applicants 1.

To support diversity, the program welcomes international medical graduates who possess a valid ECFMG certificate. Specific application requirements include the submission of board scores, a personal statement, CV, and reference letters from faculty and training directors. The selection process emphasizes a holistic review without regard to race, religion, or national origin, ensuring equity in the choice of candidates 1.

Visa Support and Special Requirements

The program specifically accepts J-1 visa holders for international applicants, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity in the fellowship's cohort. However, it does not sponsor other types of visas.

Special Program Features

Penn State's fellowship program prides itself on providing a supportive atmosphere fostering effective mentorship and close supervision due to its relatively small size. This structure facilitates a personalized educational journey where faculty actively engage in fellows’ training and development, further enhancing the learning experience 1.

Wellness and Support Resources

In alignment with its commitment to the well-being of its trainees, the program offers various wellness resources to support emotional, social, and physical health. Self-care and resilience efforts are integrated into the program, ensuring that fellows can balance the rigorous demands of training with personal well-being 1.