University of Florida Program

The University of Florida Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a two-year training program designed for residents who have successfully completed at least the PGY-3 year of residency and passed the USMLE Step 3. The program is ACGME accredited and maintains a commitment to high-quality, trauma-informed care.

Training Overview

The program hosts eight fellowship positions and emphasizes a culture of respect and professionalism while fostering diversity. The training focuses on both the clinical and educational needs of fellows, aligning with the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). All fellows are engaged in teaching junior learners and undergoing quality improvement projects throughout their training.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows engage in a diverse clinical curriculum, which includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services as well as specialized clinics. During the first year, fellows spend significant time on the Inpatient Service at the UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital and undergo rotations such as the Comprehensive Autism Program and Pediatric OCD and Tourette Clinic.

The first-year rotation structure typically includes:

• 4 months in Inpatient Service (80% of time)
• 10% of time in the Outpatient Service
• 8 months in the Comprehensive Autism Program (10%)
• 1 month in Pediatric Neurology (10%)
• Consultation Liaison Service for 3 months (30%)

In the second year, fellows base themselves at outpatient clinics and engage in community mental health services. Notable clinics during this tenure include telepsychiatry services, where fellows provide care to underserved populations.

Didactic Curriculum

Fellows have dedicated academic time each week, with monthly core topics covering diagnosis, clinical interviews, treatment modalities, and practice parameters. The program also features unique psychotherapy training led by experienced faculty members knowledgeable in various therapeutic modalities, ensuring fellows receive extensive training in both pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Unique Aspects of the Program

An important component of the fellowship is the emphasis on quality improvement, research involvement, and advocacy opportunities. The program encourages fellows to engage in external conferences and workshops to enhance their learning experience and develop professional networks.

Competitiveness and Application Details

The University of Florida Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a competitive program. While it considers candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants, selected fellows should demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant clinical experiences. Special requirements for applications may include year of graduation and relevant USMLE scores.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international applicants, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa types, enabling qualified candidates from abroad to train in the fellowship.

Call Schedule

The call schedule is structured to ensure work-life balance. Beginning on July 1, 2024, fellows will take daytime calls only on weekends, with an average of 6 to 7 weekend calls occurring throughout the year, alongside supervision from faculty during on-call duties.

Fellow Benefits

Fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes stipends aligned with U.S. Medical Training standards, health, life, and disability insurance, meal subsidies, and access to various mental health support services. Each fellow is also provided resources to aid in professional development and personal well-being.

Meet the Faculty

The faculty at the University of Florida is diverse and includes numerous specialists within Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Faculty members engage in regular teaching and mentorship, providing fellows with varied perspectives and expertise.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the program is to enhance the well-being of children and families by providing high-quality educational experiences and training to future child psychiatrists, with a commitment to advocacy and professional development. The program aims to address the national shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists by equipping fellows with the skills and experience necessary to meet community needs.