University of Maryland Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center is renowned for its comprehensive training and exceptional educational environment. This two-year program is fully accredited by the ACGME and is offered in collaboration with the Sheppard Pratt Health System and the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, providing fellows with a robust foundation in child and adolescent mental health through diverse clinical experiences and rigorous academic training.

The fellowship program is designed to ensure that fellows receive extensive hands-on training in various settings. In the first year, fellows primarily focus on inpatient and day hospital experiences at notable facilities including the University of Maryland Hospital, Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, and Spring Grove State Hospital. This intensive clinical exposure supports the development of essential skills in diagnostic evaluations and long-term outpatient care.

During the second year, the training emphasizes outpatient clinical work while offering opportunities in pediatric and community consultation, pediatric neurology, eating disorders, and administrative electives. Unique to this program is the diverse range of training sites, allowing for an individualized training plan that caters to personal interests and professional development. The program is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on research; fellows are encouraged to engage in projects related to traumatic stress, psychopharmacology, and juvenile justice among other topics.

Training Sites

The program's core clinical facilities include the University of Maryland Medical Center, Sheppard Pratt Health System, and Spring Grove Hospital Center. The University of Maryland Medical Center, located in the revitalized University Center neighborhood, offers a child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry unit, outpatient clinics, and a school mental health program. Meanwhile, the Sheppard Pratt Hospital provides a tailored inpatient experience in a private psychiatric setting, while Spring Grove offers comprehensive residential psychiatric services.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship, with all fellows required to complete a significant research project during their second year. This can take the form of a meta-analysis or a case report, allowing fellows to contribute to the field while developing critical research skills. Additional opportunities for research in areas like school mental health and juvenile justice further enhance the program's academic rigor.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship program offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive salary structure, professional liability insurance, and various health benefits. Fellows receive an annual educational allowance and are granted 20 vacation days each year, along with participation in wellness programs designed to support their physical and mental well-being.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program actively promotes diversity within its training environment, interviewing candidates from various backgrounds to cultivate an innovative workforce. This commitment extends beyond recruitment and includes expanding the curriculum to include minority fellowships and participation in cultural and diversity symposiums.

Visa Sponsorship

For international applicants, the program exclusively offers J-1 visa sponsorship. ECFMG certification is a prerequisite, in addition to demonstrating significant clinical experience in psychiatry within the U.S.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the fellowship is competitive. Applicants must provide a Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE), transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and must have passed all necessary USMLE Steps. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service, and interviews typically occur from September to November.