UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Child and adolescent psychiatryACGME Code:
4052421156The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School, located within Baystate Health, offers a comprehensive training program designed to equip fellows with the skills necessary to excel in a variety of practice settings. This fellowship is characterized as innovative and individualized, emphasizing a collaborative environment within a large-level academic trauma center. Baystate Health serves as a tertiary care referral medical center, boasting decades of training experience across multiple residency and fellowship programs.
Program Structure
The fellowship spans a duration of two years, during which fellows will engage in a diverse curriculum aimed at improving mental health services for children and adolescents in multiple settings. The structure of the program is built around the principles of collaboration and community focus, ensuring that fellows benefit from comprehensive training that values relationships with faculty and peers.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is meticulously designed to foster leadership skills, clinical acumen, and personal well-being. Key components of the training include:
- Participation in multidisciplinary teams while treating a wide variety of mental health issues.
- Experience in one of the nation's largest Child Partial Hospitalization Programs and an acclaimed Family Advocacy Center specializing in childhood trauma.
- A flexible approach allowing fellows to tailor their educational experience through elective opportunities, outpatient mental health services, and inpatient consultations.
- Engagement in academic activities through teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles, alongside fostering lifelong learning and professional development.
Application Process
The fellowship actively recruits applicants from diverse backgrounds to create an inclusive environment. Essential application requirements include:
- Completion of the Common ERAS Application Form.
- Submission of a curriculum vitae, dean's letter, transcript, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
- USMLE or COMLEX scores, with no required minimum score except for a pass by the second attempt for each part.
- U.S. clinical experience is required for applicants, along with valid ECFMG certification for international medical graduates.
Diversity and Inclusion
The program emphasizes the importance of diversity in its recruitment efforts, seeking applicants from various demographics, including those traditionally underrepresented in medicine. The fellowship fosters an inclusive culture where trainees are encouraged to engage in discussions surrounding health disparities and cultural competence as part of their training.
5Visa Support and Requirements
For international medical graduates, the program supports J-1 Clinical Visas, which allows international fellows to experience advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry in the United States. This program requires that all international applicants provide proof of U.S. clinical experience that encompasses direct patient care.
3Fellowship Culture and Work Environment
The culture at UMass Chan Medical School's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is described as collegial and collaborative. Emphasis is placed on faculty wellness and maintaining a work-life balance to ensure a conducive learning environment. With a small number of fellows, participants have the opportunity to forge strong mentor-mentee relationships and receive personalized attention throughout their training.
4Fellow Life and Benefits
Fellows benefit from a competitive salary structure, which includes four weeks of vacation per year, professional development funds, meal subsidies, and insurance coverage for disability, malpractice, and health. Additionally, fellows enjoy the advantages of a lower cost of living in Western Massachusetts compared to larger urban centers.
1Competitiveness
The fellowship is recognized as highly competitive, yet remains open to applicants from a variety of educational pathways, including those with DO qualifications and international medical graduates. There is no minimum score requirement on the USMLE or COMLEX exams, broadening access to a diverse range of candidates.
2Website
Director
Brian M Skehan, MD, PhDProgram Director Appointed Since April 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,384First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
Interview Questions
