University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare proficient child and adolescent psychiatrists to address the growing demand for mental health care among young populations. The fellowship curriculum integrates extensive clinical training, research opportunities, and direct patient care to foster a comprehensive learning experience for fellows.

Program Overview

This fellowship program offers an insightful blend of hands-on clinical experience and academic learning. Training occurs through diverse clinical rotations, which ensure fellows gain experience in various settings ranging from outpatient services to inpatient care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum emphasizes a longitudinal patient care experience at UF Health Psychiatry – San Jose, where fellows begin treating patients early in their training. The first year includes six months devoted to inpatient and emergency psychiatry rotations at Wolfson Children's Hospital, recognized for its excellence by U.S. News and World Report.

During this rotation, fellows work in a specialized 14-bed unit and also provide consultations in the emergency center. The other half of the first-year training focuses on addiction, juvenile justice, and forensic psychiatry with opportunities to work with underserved populations.

First-Year Training

Fellows participate in comprehensive training that includes:

• Inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry at Wolfson Children's Hospital.
• Substance use disorder treatment at Gateway Community Services, a residential treatment facility.
• Rotations in pediatric neurology, child protection, and autism.

Second-Year Training

The second year continues the longitudinal care experience while providing opportunities for specialized electives focused on areas such as dialectical behavioral therapy and collaborative care integration.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship supports research through the Dean's Fund Research Grant, which provides resources for fellows to conduct their projects. The Office of Research Affairs aids in fostering a research-friendly environment, encouraging residents to engage in clinical research and scholarly activities throughout their training.

Application Process

Prospective fellows are required to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program offers two positions each year, and the application checklist includes:

• ERAS Common Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Dean's Letter
• Letters from training directors
• Official medical school transcripts
• Official USMLE transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation from medical professionals

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must provide official ECFMG status reports and are eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship.

Benefits and Resources

Fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Health and disability insurance
• Access to a well-equipped library and medical educational resources
• Meal stipends and reimbursement for on-call duties
• Paid holidays and leave policies
• Professional liability coverage

Awards and Recognition

Outstanding residents are recognized through various awards, emphasizing leadership and professionalism within the training environment.

Training Facilities

The program leverages significant resources housed within the UF Health Jacksonville campus, including:

• UF Health Psychiatry – San Jose, offering extensive outpatient services.
• Gateway Community Services, focusing on dual-diagnosis treatment.
• Wolfson Children's Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility for inpatient psychiatry.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

This fellowship program is competitive, emphasizing high academic standards and clinical competence in their selection of candidates. Factors influencing the assessment include academic credentials, clinical experience, interpersonal skills, and professional demeanor during interviews.

Additional Aspects of the Program

Fellows engage in monthly journal clubs and case conferences, focusing on various facets of child and adolescent psychiatry. They also participate in the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), cementing their involvement in the broader psychiatric community.

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international applicants through J-1 visa sponsorship. This allows qualified international medical graduates to participate fully in the fellowship.