Samaritan Health Services - Corvallis Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Samaritan Health Services is a dynamic, comprehensive two-year program aimed at advancing the clinical training of general psychiatrists. This program is specifically designed to enhance the ability of physicians to provide comprehensive mental health treatment to children, adolescents, and their families. The focus is on patient-centered community child and adolescent psychiatry, equipping clinicians to operate across a range of community settings. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and fulfills the requirements for board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

The fellowship offers two positions annually, with fellows actively participating in community-based teams. They engage with various community partners committed to serving youth and their families, which enriches the training experience and develops skills essential for a broad spectrum of mental health care delivery, leadership roles, and contributions to the field of psychiatry 1.

Curriculum Overview

The educational curriculum of the fellowship emphasizes a developmental perspective. Fellows are instructed to integrate five clinical orientations—psychodynamic, psychosocial, biologic, behavioral, and cognitive. For a comprehensive training experience, the two-year program provides exposure to multiple care settings, including subacute inpatient, residential, day treatment, and outpatient environments. This diversity allows fellows to experience various methods of treatment delivery including direct patient care, psychiatric consultation in primary care and pediatric clinics, and collaboration with community agencies 1.

Didactic Training

A dedicated half-day per week is allocated for didactic programs, taught by specialists. The curriculum includes a wide array of subjects, such as child development, child psychopathology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy modalities, cultural psychiatry, and ethics. Monthly sessions are also held for journal clubs and complex clinical case conferences. Fellows are encouraged to request additional topics of interest, ensuring the curriculum meets evolving needs within the field 4.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to complete two scholarly activities during their tenure. One project's focus must be on quality improvement or patient safety, while the other should be research-oriented, culminating in a presentation at conferences or submission for publication. Time is allocated for these activities, alongside support for IRB approval and data analysis, enhancing research competencies during the fellowship 4.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship must be U.S. citizens or hold valid permanent residency. While international medical graduates must possess a current Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and eligibility for an Oregon Limited License, the program does not provide visa sponsorship 2. Candidates typically apply after completing three years of a psychiatric residency, though exceptional candidates may qualify after two years, contingent upon specific criteria.

Applications should be submitted through ERAS, and the deadline is November 15 of the year prior to the fellowship start. Essential materials for the application process include medical school transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and three letters of reference. Additionally, proof of passing scores on USMLE Steps 1-3 or COMLEX Levels 1-3 is mandatory 2.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The program is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity. All applicants are evaluated solely based on academic performance and personal attributes, devoid of discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, age, or other statuses that do not directly affect training capabilities. The program actively encourages the recruitment of underrepresented minorities in the medical field 2.

Living in Corvallis

Corvallis offers a vibrant community and various recreational activities, providing a balanced lifestyle for fellows. The Willamette Valley features numerous outdoor adventures, culinary options, and local markets. Additionally, Corvallis hosts several professional sporting events, including those featuring the Oregon State Beavers, enhancing the community's spirited environment 1.

Conclusion of Fellowship Structure

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Samaritan Health Services stands out with its community-based approach, comprehensive training curriculum, research opportunities, and commitment to creating a supportive environment for fellows 1.