Didactics
Fellows may participate in any of the following didactics over the course of the year. The seminars listed below are provided to broaden exposure to the fundamentals of psychology practice, current state-of-the-art assessment and treatment methods, and new or emerging scientific knowledge. Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Cultural and Individual Diversity, and General Psychology Didactic are required.
Cultural and Individual Diversity
This seminar aims to advance the fellow's knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity to issues relevant to the practice of psychology with individuals from diverse groups. Fellows will gain advanced knowledge of issues of cultural and individual diversity relevant to clinical practice, supervision, and research. To this end, guest speakers present information and lead discussions related to personal awareness in multicultural counseling, along with topics on race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, and age. Throughout the seminar, fellows are expected to integrate examples from the assigned readings and their own clinical practice and experience into the theoretical discussions.
Research Outcomes
The goal of this seminar is to ensure fellows are good consumers of clinical outcomes research. To accomplish this, fellows learn the outcome literature regarding the treatment of the major psychiatric disorders, review and critique existing studies, and design an outcome study. Guest speakers and the fellows serve as presenters.
Professional Development
This seminar discusses important issues in professional development designed to advance the skills and knowledge base of clinical psychology fellows in a range of areas particularly important to their continued professional success after completion of the fellowship. Issues relevant to the practice of psychology will be covered including, but not limited to, program evaluation, obtaining licensure and board certification, practicing professional self-care, obtaining professional positions and negotiating salary. In addition, fellows will demonstrate an advanced understanding of the APA ethical principles and legal standards affecting the practice of psychology.
Supervision
The goal of this seminar is to provide an advanced level of knowledge of theoretical principles, methods, and models of supervision. Ethical/legal issues related to supervision and the impact of cultural diversity on supervision will be discussed. Fellows will be expected to integrate examples from clinical practice and professional experience into the discussions.
Psychopharmacology
This lecture is led by an attending psychiatrist and is designed to cover critical information regarding major psychotropic medications. Content includes drug classes, names, basic mechanisms of action, and general prescription strategies for treating psychiatric illnesses.
Program Evaluation
Psychologists are increasingly called upon to perform program evaluations. The goal of this seminar is to provide an introduction to the purpose, goals, and function of program evaluation. Methods for collecting, analyzing, and using the information to answer questions about interventions and programs and policies will be discussed.
Research and clinical topics are presented throughout the year by faculty, residents, fellows and visiting guest speakers. Fellows are encouraged to attend when topics are relevant and are required to present in this venue once during the course of their fellowship year.
Clinical Psychology Didactic
The overall goal of the seminar is to increase to an advanced level the trainees' knowledge and skill in the practice of professional psychology, specifically in reference to the evaluation and treatment of individuals in a medical setting. The seminar also aims to enhance fellows' professional development and understanding of issues critical to the field. The seminar is designed annually to supplement the fellows' experience and to meet fellow training needs. Fellows are expected to be active discussants in the seminar, integrating theory with practice. They present in the seminar several times per year.
Requirements for Fellowship:
Presentation: Fellow presentations are required in Psychiatry Grand Rounds (once during the fellowship year), in Clinical Psychology Didactic (Case Conceptualization) and the Research Outcomes Seminar (if attending); other presentations may be assigned by the course coordinator(s). Seminars are scheduled throughout the year to minimize the number of courses occurring at any given time.
In addition to the fellowship seminars, the Department of Behavioral Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program offers a host of didactic training opportunities. If a fellow is interested in a didactic opportunity, participation is welcome as long as it can be accommodated within the fellow’s clinical schedule.
Note: As we are an ever growing program all didactics and rotations are subject to change.