University at Buffalo Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo is a comprehensive two-year program aimed at training physicians to become competent, ethical, and resourceful clinical child and adolescent psychiatrists. The program emphasizes a systematic, biopsychosocial approach, which integrates psychotherapeutic skills training with a robust foundation in psychopharmacology and neurosciences, ensuring fellows develop a well-rounded skill set necessary for effective practice in mental health.

Through a combination of supervised clinical practice and formal education, fellows gain invaluable experience across various clinical settings, enhancing their capacity to manage a wide range of pediatric psychiatric conditions. The fellowship extensively covers crucial aspects such as psychodynamic, family relational, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and pharmacological management, reflecting the division's commitment to employing state-of-the-art treatment methods, thereby fostering excellence in clinical training.

Training and Rotations

The fellowship's curriculum comprises core training experiences where fellows participate in clinical rotations in diverse settings, including inpatient units, emergency psychiatry, and pediatric consultation-liaison psychiatry. A highlight of the program is the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), where fellows immerse themselves in acute psychiatric evaluations and referrals within a high-pressure emergency setting, applying their training in real-world scenarios under supervision.

Clinical practice is supplemented by required rotations at significant institutions such as Oishei Children’s Hospital, where fellows gain firsthand experience in hospital-based child and adolescent psychiatry, refining their diagnostic and therapeutic skills through hands-on involvement with patients.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on scholarly activity, encouraging fellows to engage in research that enriches their clinical practice and contributes to the field. The division has established a reputable research track, focusing on significant topics such as the psychosomatic connection between mental and physical health, ADHD, and the impact of family dynamics on child mental health. Fellows are supported to initiate and participate in ongoing studies, collaborating with faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their contributions to the field of child psychiatry.

Community Engagement and Access to Care

The program extends its influence beyond the academic setting, operating initiatives like Project TEACH that provide targeted psychiatric training and phone consultations to pediatricians across New York State. This program exemplifies the division’s commitment to improving access to care by equipping primary care physicians with the resources to manage psychiatric conditions within their practices, ultimately benefiting the families they support.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University at Buffalo maintains a highly competitive selection process. Prospective applicants are expected to showcase strong academic performance and relevant clinical experiences. While specific eligibility requirements may vary, generally candidates must be graduates of accredited medical schools with substantial experience in child and adolescent psychiatry. The program is known to be accommodative to applicants from various backgrounds, including DO candidates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Visa Support

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship offers visa sponsorship for foreign medical graduates. Typically, the program can facilitate the processes for J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international applicants seeking advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry. This support underscores the program's commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment that enriches the training experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique feature of the fellowship is its integration of interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering relationships among various healthcare professionals to enrich the training and care provided to pediatric patients. The program routinely engages in cross-disciplinary projects that enrich fellowships in both clinical practice and research, aiming to improve healthcare delivery for children facing complex psychiatric issues.

Clinical Practice Environment

Fellows are trained to provide care across multiple clinical environments within the Buffalo area, including outpatient clinics, inpatient services, and emergency settings. The program is housed within a robust network of clinical settings, allowing fellows access to a diverse patient demographic and a spectrum of disorders. The caring and supportive faculty play a pivotal role in guiding fellows through various clinical encounters, facilitating a nurturing learning experience.