University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is a comprehensive program committed to training specialists who can address the mental health needs of children and adolescents. This fellowship is characterized by diverse clinical experiences, dedicated faculty guidance, and a rich educational curriculum that spans across various relevant settings.

Program Overview

For over fifty years, the program has been dedicated to equipping fellows with the necessary skills to provide exemplary mental health care to young populations. Fellowships typically occur following the completion of general psychiatry residency, either as a traditional route after PGY-4 or via a fast-track option post-PGY-3. The program benefits from a collegial atmosphere, with both child and adolescent psychiatry fellows and triple board residents learning collaboratively, fostering both professional and personal growth among trainees.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on experience and didactic instruction with an emphasis on best practices in child psychiatry. The first year of the fellowship focuses on core clinical experiences, including:

• Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (3 months)
• Child and Adolescent Consultation Liaison Psychiatry (3 months)
• Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (6 months), including rotations in various specialized clinics such as juvenile justice facilities and developmental disorders.

Additionally, fellows engage in research and have access to the Clinical Scholars track, which allows for dedicated research time, emphasizing the program’s commitment to academic contributions in the field.

Rotation Sites

Fellows rotate through several clinical sites that enhance their training, including:

• University Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit - catering to patients aged 5-18
• Consultation and Liaison services at the Kentucky Children's Hospital
• The UK Center on Trauma and Children, focusing on clinical care and education for trauma-affected youth
• Residential facilities for intensive therapy experiences
• Community mental health centers, including clinics embedded within schools.

These diverse settings provide the fellows with exposure to various therapeutic environments and patient populations, enriching their training experiences.

Research Opportunities

Another core facet of the fellowship is the emphasis on research. The program offers extensive research opportunities across diverse subjects related to child psychiatry. Trainees are encouraged to engage in projects that address prevalent issues such as childhood trauma, substance use, and mental health disparities. Furthermore, fellows can benefit from mentorship from experienced faculty within the program, facilitating their growth as researchers.

Didactics and Education

Educational activities are integral to the fellowship, which includes:

• A structured didactic series covering various topics in child and adolescent psychiatry
• Active participation in journal clubs, case conferences, and small group seminars
• Field visits to schools and community facilities, allowing fellows to observe firsthand the services available to children.

The program also emphasizes teaching, providing fellows opportunities to mentor medical students through clinical and classroom interactions.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Kentucky is considered highly competitive. The program is friendly toward DO and IMG applicants, giving them a valuable chance to be part of an enriching learning environment. Applicants must have completed training in a general psychiatry residency and provide documentation such as letters of recommendation, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and a personal statement as part of their application.

Common requirements include:

• A current CV detailing educational and employment history
• Reference letters from at least three faculty members, including one from the program director
• Completion of ECFMG certification for applicable international medical graduates.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visas for applicable international medical graduates, facilitating the entrance of diverse fellows into the training framework.

Living in Lexington

Lexington, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents through its rich cultural, educational, and recreational offerings. The city is conducive for both single fellows and those raising families due to its comprehensive community services and activities.

Summary of Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary along with benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside ten paid vacations days and five educational leave days. Additionally, the program allocates funds for professional development and educational materials.