University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

Program Overview

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is designed to offer advanced training in the diagnosis and management of developmental and behavioral disorders in children. The fellowship seeks to cultivate pediatricians who will specialize in addressing the complex needs of children with developmental delays, behavioral issues, and related conditions.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive exposure to various aspects of developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Trainees will engage in didactic learning sessions, clinical rotations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Structured clinical experiences in outpatient settings and specialty clinics.
• Leadership and advocacy training to promote effective health policies for children.
• Focused seminars addressing current research and developments in the field.
• Participation in scholarly activities and opportunities for research.

This well-rounded approach ensures fellows develop the competence and confidence necessary to work effectively with children and families facing developmental and behavioral challenges.

Rotations

The fellowship features a variety of rotations that allow for exposure to different clinical settings and patient populations. This includes:

• Outpatient clinics dedicated to behavioral assessments and interventions.
• Inpatient rotations to manage children with acute behavioral conditions.
• Collaborative rotations with other specialties such as psychiatry, neurology, and social work.

These rotations aim to provide a diverse clinical experience, allowing fellows to gain practical skills in multiple areas of developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

Research Opportunities

The Department of Pediatrics is highly committed to research, providing fellows with robust opportunities to engage in clinical and basic science research. The program has a significant portfolio of research funding, including substantial grants from national institutions, which reflects its emphasis on inquiry and innovation in pediatric healthcare. Fellows will have the chance to work alongside seasoned researchers and contribute to projects that advance knowledge in developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

Training Sites

Fellows will primarily train at the Health Sciences Center campus, which houses state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of specialized clinics. The program utilizes satellite clinics across the metro and rural areas, allowing fellows to engage with a diverse patient population and understand different healthcare delivery models.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship prides itself on its individualized training approach. Recognizing that each trainee comes with distinct strengths and interests, the program aims to tailor experiences to fit these unique qualities. In addition to clinical training, fellows are encouraged to pursue personal interests in areas such as research, education, and community advocacy.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) including H-1B and J-1 visa types. This support enables qualified candidates from outside the United States to apply for the fellowship without concern for visa challenges.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is competitive, aiming to attract the most qualified candidates from both U.S. and international backgrounds. It is designed to be friendly towards DO candidates and international medical graduates, valuing the diverse perspectives these applicants bring.

Application Requirements

Applicants are typically required to meet specific criteria which may include:

• A completed pediatric residency program.
• A maximum number of failed USMLE STEP exams is often stipulated, generally encouraging candidates to demonstrate strong performance.
• Graduation from medical school within a specified timeframe to ensure recent training and education.

These criteria help ensure a pool of candidates capable of meeting the rigors of the fellowship training.