University of Michigan Program

University of Michigan Program in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

The University of Michigan offers a prestigious fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) aimed at training future leaders in the field. The program's mission is to provide comprehensive education and training to address the needs of children with developmental and behavioral disorders through clinical practice, research, and advocacy.

Curriculum Overview

The DBP fellowship is a structured three-year program accredited by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The curriculum is designed to provide extensive clinical experiences and a robust research training component, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to learning and patient care.

Fellows receive training in a variety of clinical settings, fostering comprehensive skill development for managing a range of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Delays, and behavioral sleep problems among others. The program also emphasizes advocacy training, preparing fellows to engage with organizations such as Title V programs and the State American Academy of Pediatrics.

Clinical Rotations

Throughout the fellowship, clinical training spans across outpatient settings and involves collaboration with faculty from various disciplines, including child psychiatry, pediatric neurology, and genetics. This interdisciplinary training approach aims to equip fellows with the necessary tools to offer holistic care to children with complex needs. Clinical experiences include evaluations, treatment planning, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the DBP fellowship. Each fellow selects a research topic relevant to developmental-behavioral pediatrics and receives mentorship to enhance their research skills. The program supports faculty-led research projects funded by NIH and other organizations, thus providing fellows with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research that influences the field.

The program's research areas include the impact of environmental factors on child development, nutritional influences like iron deficiency, and interventions aimed at improving developmental outcomes.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the unique features of the University of Michigan's DBP fellowship is the emphasis on advocacy training. Fellows engage in live projects that relate to policy-making for children with special needs. This practical experience aims to prepare future pediatricians not only clinically but also as advocates for their patients.

The program also offers various educational opportunities tailored to different audiences, including medical students, residents, and community practitioners, ensuring that knowledge regarding developmental-behavioral conditions is widely disseminated.

Training Sites and Facilities

The training occurs at facilities associated with Michigan Medicine, providing fellows access to a wealth of resources, including state-of-the-art clinics and technology. In addition, off-site training locations and partnerships with other health institutions offer comprehensive clinical exposure.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from across the nation. Eligible candidates must have completed a three-year ACGME accredited Pediatrics residency and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International applicants may apply if they possess J-1 visas.

Application requirements include successful completion of USMLE Step I, II, and III, alongside an unrestricted license for medical practice in the United States. The fellowship program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and applications are accepted through ERAS.

Visa Support

The University of Michigan's DBP fellowship program is willing to consider applicants under the J-1 visa category, providing essential support for international trainees pursuing this fellowship.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Michigan offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages to fellows, which include health insurance, parental leave, dental and vision plans, and long-term disability insurance. The House Officers Association also provides additional services and wellness programs, enriching the support network for fellows throughout their training.

Faculty and Mentorship

The DBP fellowship is led by a team of esteemed faculty members who are dedicated to both clinical excellence and educational development. Mentorship is a key aspect of the program, with faculty engaging closely with fellows throughout their training and research projects, thereby facilitating personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship at the University of Michigan is designed to cultivate the next generation of experts in pediatric development and behavior. Through its comprehensive curriculum, diverse clinical exposures, and strong emphasis on research and advocacy, the program prepares fellows to be leaders in their field, ensuring high-quality care for children with developmental and behavioral health needs.