Bariatrics Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at West Virginia University School of Medicine offers a one or two-year fellowship program in Clinical Health Psychology, with an emphasis in Bariatrics. One resident position is offered each year, with the option of a 2^nd year pending agreement between the fellow and Fellowship Director, Stephanie Cox, PhD, ABPP.

Overview of Training Program

The Clinical Health Psychology Postdoctoral Residency in Bariatrics is designed to provide advanced, specialized training in health psychology with a strong emphasis on the treatment of obesity and bariatric surgery. This immersive one-year residency prepares fellows for independent practice as clinical health psychologists working in multidisciplinary settings, with particular expertise in obesity medicine and surgical and non-surgical weight management.

Fellows gain a deep understanding of the biological, psychological, and behavioral underpinnings of obesity and its related comorbidities. They receive comprehensive training in evidence-based interventions across the full continuum of weight management at WVU Medicine, and are exposed to the full spectrum of treatment options including behavioral, nutritional, pharmacological, and surgical approaches.

Core Clinical Experiences:

Bariatric Surgery (Primary Rotation): This core component of the fellowship offers in-depth training within WVU’s nationally recognized multidisciplinary Bariatric Surgery Program. Fellows play a central role in the psychological care of patients pursuing surgical weight loss, including:

• Conducting comprehensive pre-surgical psychological evaluations
• Delivering individual and group-based interventions in both pre- and post-operative phases
• Facilitating and participating in ongoing support groups

As part of this rotation, fellows also gain valuable experience in related non-surgical weight management services, which are integrated within WVU’s stepped-care approach to obesity treatment:

Behavioral Weight Loss:

• Provide assessment and intervention to support health behavior change and lifestyle modification
• Collaborate with health promotion programs such as Finding Wellness

Medical Weight Management Clinic:

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team
• Offer consultation and psychological treatment for patients pursuing non-surgical weight loss
• Address disordered eating concerns and promote treatment adherence

Through this comprehensive rotation, fellows develop the skills to support patients across the full continuum of obesity care from behavioral and medical interventions to surgical treatment.

Transplant Psychology (Major Supplemental Rotation): Fellows participate in psychological evaluations for candidates and donors involved in kidney, heart, and living donor transplant procedures. This rotation offers rich experience in psychosocial assessment, decision-making capacity, and risk stratification, and strengthens the fellow’s role within integrated medical teams managing complex care.

Additional Rotations / Educational Opportunities:

Pain Management: Involves psychological evaluations for opioid candidacy or implantable devices and opportunities for treatment within an integrated pain management center.

Pre-treatment Evaluations: Fellows conduct psychological assessments for medical or procedural readiness, including adherence and risk evaluations.

The fellowship includes four days per week of direct clinical service, with a half-day of protected time for didactics and education, and a half-day reserved for research activities, if elected.

This training program offers a dynamic and supportive environment for developing advanced clinical skills while contributing to innovative interdisciplinary care. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in academic medical centers, integrated health systems, or private practice settings specializing in health and behavior.

Didactics

The fellow will attend Psychiatry Grand Rounds and lead/co-lead Clinical Psychology Didactic with psychology interns. See Didactics for more information. Additional educational experiences may include observation in various clinics or settings within the medical center.

Research

The fellow has the opportunity to become involved in ongoing research or generate new research projects. Research participation is optional. One ½ day per week is allocated for protected research time if selected.

Licensure

Fellows are encouraged to obtain a license to practice psychology in the state of West Virginia. Taking and passing the EPPP written examination is encouraged by the end of the first year. Study materials are provided and fees are paid by the department.

Salary & Benefits

The current salary is $52,940 for the first year and $55,020 for the second year. Health insurance is available for family or single at a reasonable rate. The fellow receives a minimum of $750 a year for conference expenses. Vacation, sick leave, and professional leave are standard.

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