University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is designed to prepare future leaders in the field by providing a comprehensive clinical and educational experience. At UCSF, fellows benefit from exposure to a diverse array of training sites, including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Edgewood Residential Treatment Center, and various community clinics.

The program emphasizes a multifaceted approach to the training of child and adolescent psychiatrists, incorporating neurodevelopmental, biological, psychological, and cultural perspectives into the assessment and treatment of young patients and their families 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship's curriculum is structured to provide essential clinical skills through direct patient care and scholarly activities. Fellows engage in hands-on training across various specialties, including autism, ADHD, OCD, and early psychosis, with extensive clinical supervision provided by faculty 1. Training encompasses both brief and long-term psychotherapy modalities, with an emphasis on integrative approaches that combine psychotherapy with psychopharmacology 1.

Clinical Rotations

A key feature of the fellowship is its diverse clinical rotations, which allow fellows to experience a wide range of settings and populations. First-year fellows participate in intensive services, including Edgewood Center for Children and Families and the McAuley Adolescent Inpatient Unit, where they learn to manage acute psychiatric conditions 1.

Fellows also gain experience at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, handling complex outpatient cases and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams 1. At Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, fellows encounter youths facing significant psychosocial stressors, enhancing their competencies in community psychiatry 1.

Research Opportunities

Research plays an integral role within the fellowship at UCSF. Scholarly activities are encouraged, and fellows are provided opportunities to collaborate with mentors on research projects during their training. This research training equips fellows to be knowledgeable consumers of scientific literature and facilitates a deeper understanding of specialized areas within child and adolescent psychiatry 1.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, applicants must have completed or be in their third year of an accredited general psychiatry residency program 2. Documentation validating completion of all general psychiatry training requirements is necessary. The program mandates that international medical graduates possess a valid ECFMG certificate and qualify for a J-1 visa, as UCSF does not sponsor H-1 visas for medical trainees 2.

Applicants are required to submit a complete application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by September 1 for the Match year 2. Additional requirements include three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a passing USMLE Step 3 score.

Visa Support

The UCSF Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates applying to the program. This visa type is essential for foreign applicants who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status 2.

Program Competitiveness

The program is considered competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. The selection process emphasizes a demonstrated commitment to child and adolescent psychiatry and relevant clinical experience 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A unique offering within the fellowship is the Public Track, which focuses on community psychiatry and public health issues in child mental health. This track allows fellows to engage deeply with public sector settings, emphasizing leadership development and specialized training in public psychiatric principles 1.

Overall, the UCSF Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program provides a robust foundation in clinical practice, research, and leadership, guiding fellows in becoming proficient child psychiatrists equipped to address the complex needs of young patients and their families.