Tripler Army Medical Center Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, is designed to train competent and compassionate child and adolescent psychiatrists while developing the professional skills necessary for military Medical Corps Officers. With a structure tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by psychiatric patients, this fellowship spans two years and requires prior completion of a three-year accredited Psychiatry Residency.

The program is committed to fostering a safe and effective patient care environment, emphasizing the development of competence, confidence, and a commitment to lifelong learning among its fellows. The dual mission of providing exceptional child and adolescent psychiatric care and preparing military officers adds a unique dimension to the training experience.

Program Features

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows partake in a robust curriculum that encompasses a blend of didactic learning and practical experiences. One full day each week is dedicated to didactic activities, which include lectures, journal clubs, and participation-based classes addressing a wide array of topics such as neuropsychology, family therapy, psychopharmacology, forensics, and cultural psychiatry. Each academic year consists of 13 four-week block rotations. During the first year, fellows gain experience in community settings, working at The Queen’s Medical Center and Kapiolani Women and Children’s Hospital, as well as at TAMC where they rotate through the Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics outpatient services.

In the second year, fellows take on the responsibility of a full outpatient clinic panel at Tripler, providing them with extensive hands-on experience. The program encourages participation in military psychiatry courses alongside adult psychiatry residents, cultivating an understanding of the psychosocial stressors unique to military families.

Research and Scholarly Activities

While there is no formal requirement for research publications within the fellowship, fellows are expected to engage in scholarly activities, such as preparing presentations for local and national conferences, and participating in performance improvement (PI) or quality improvement (QI) projects. Each fellow completes a Capstone Grand Rounds presentation in their second year on a chosen Child and Adolescent Psychiatry topic, with the support of a faculty mentor.

Participating Sites

The fellowship encompasses clinical experiences across several key sites: Tripler Army Medical Center, The Queen’s Health Systems, and Kapi’olani Women and Children’s Medical Center, all situated on the island of Oahu. This collaborative approach allows fellows to benefit from a diverse range of clinical settings and patient populations.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known to be friendly toward International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and may provide visa sponsorship for fellows, making it more accessible for international candidates who wish to participate in this prestigious fellowship. The competitiveness of the program may vary, but it typically attracts a mix of candidates from various medical backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates.

Application Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to reach out and plan for a rotation with the TAMC outpatient service and the Child Psychiatry Consult Liaison team. Interviews are highly recommended to enable prospective candidates to get to know the fellowship team and experience the program atmosphere. Specific application requirements may include evidence of successful completion of medical school and residency, as well as documentation regarding clinical experience and references.

Teaching and Leadership Opportunities

Fellows are provided ample opportunities to engage in teaching medical students and residents throughout their time at Tripler. They can also apply for teaching fellow positions or seek faculty appointments at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Leadership development is strongly encouraged, with various opportunities tailored to enhance fellows’ management skills in clinical and academic settings.

Well-Being and Community

Hawaii offers a rich environment for personal and professional growth, with numerous recreational activities and historical sites available to fellows. The fellowship program prioritizes fellow well-being, incorporating a Well-being Chief fellow who oversees the well-being committee aimed at planning supportive activities. Additionally, fellows are permitted 30 days of leave annually, allowing for personal time to recharge.