The UPMC Medical Education Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) offers a comprehensive training pathway that integrates clinical exposure, research opportunities, and advocacy aimed at fostering the development of skilled professionals in the field. This residency program is highly regarded and combines pediatric and neurology training to meet the unique needs of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Program Overview
The NDD Program is a six-year combined pathway that synergizes with Child Neurology and Pediatrics, leading participants toward board eligibility in both Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Neurology with Special Certification in Child Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Training begins with approximately 18 months of Child Neurology, followed by 18 months focused on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, and concludes with 12 months dedicated to Adult Neurology, ensuring a well-rounded exposure across various stages of life and care models. This structure emphasizes a robust clinical experience, with residents taking part in various subspecialty clinics as part of their training (cited 1).
Clinical Training and Rotations
Residents in the NDD program engage in diverse rotational experiences including:
- **Child Neurology:** Involves inpatient ward service, outpatient consultations, and specific subspecialty electives.
- **Neurodevelopmental Disabilities:** Provides a dedicated research year, elective experiences, and opportunities to pursue specialized interests within neurodevelopment.
- **Adult Neurology:** Engages residents in adult inpatient care alongside outpatient experiences, culminating in competency across age groups and improving the understanding of continuity in care.
The training is also supported by a continuity clinic experience where residents take primary responsibility for managing patient care, bolstered by attending physician support (cited 1).
Research Opportunities
Research is a cornerstone of the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities residency, with a dedicated mentorship structure that supports residents in developing their scholarly projects. The program's Research Development Curriculum empowers residents to enhance their investigatory skills and prepare for academic careers. Each resident is paired with mentors who guide project development and execution, leading to potential presentations at national conferences (cited 1). The research pathways are flexible, allowing residents to choose between clinical and laboratory-based projects tailored to their interests.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
UPMC prioritizes advocacy within its residency program, particularly through the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) framework. This initiative promotes community engagement and allows residents to participate in advocacy projects that align with the care of affected populations. Residents are encouraged to develop and execute longitudinal advocacy projects throughout their training (cited 1).
Education and Didactic Curriculum
The educational aspect of the NDD program is robust, featuring interdisciplinary didactic sessions that include participation in various conferences, joint educational meetings with Child Neurology residents, and hands-on learning experiences. Regular sessions cover contemporary topics in neurodevelopmental disabilities and ensure that residents engage with leading-edge research and best practices in the field (cited 1).
Wellness and Support
Recognizing the demands of residency training, the program incorporates wellness initiatives within its structure. The division supports a wellness committee aimed at fostering a healthy work-life balance among residents through various social events, wellness resources, and advocacy for mental health within the residency (cited 1).
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The UPMC NDD Program is highly competitive, particularly due to its specialized focus and comprehensive training approach, making it an attractive option for applicants interested in a career addressing neurodevelopmental disabilities. Applicants for the NDD training pathway must meet distinct criteria, including prior completion of core pediatric training, and must apply through a centralized application process (cited 1). The program does consider applications from both US graduates and international medical graduates, promoting a diverse candidate pool.
Visa Sponsorship
The residency offers visa support for eligible international medical graduates. The program primarily sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating the training of physicians from various backgrounds to enhance the diversity of their educational environment (cited 1).
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Director
Jenna M Gaesser, MDProgram Director, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Appointed Since June 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
60 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
14 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$73,802First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
4.6XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
210Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1, F1YOG Cutoff:
10Location
Pittsburgh, PA
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Living in Pittsburgh, PA
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- Pros: Vibrant arts and culture scene, affordable cost of living, beautiful outdoor scenery.
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