Training objectives are specific to each focus area, with a varying balance between clinical and research concentrations. Each focus area has a training lead who provides oversight of the fellow's training plan, including preparation for licensure. All fellows participate in didactics in professional development, diversity, equity, and inclusion; clinical / research training, and licensure.
Clinical Fellowship in Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
The Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Psychology (NDBP) Program within the Division of Behavior Medicine and Clinical Psychology of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) is offering two (1-year) clinical fellowship positions which focus on the diagnostic evaluation of children and adolescents (ages 1-22) who present with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities within an interdisciplinary, outpatient setting. These clinics are housed within the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Conditions include developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, maladaptive behaviors, intellectual and learning disabilities, and internalizing/mood concerns within the context of developmental delays. Both positions are primarily clinical with the option of some clinical research training if the candidate is interested. The positions are assessment focused with several minor elective rotation possibilities from which to select (fellows often select 1-3 depending on preferences), including short-term behavior treatment, group therapy (e.g., social skills, anxiety, parent behavior training, flexibility/executive functioning), feeding intervention, early intervention/ABA treatment, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Fellows selecting the PCIT elective have the opportunity to work towards PCIT certification. As part of the fellowship, fellows also participate in Community Outreach activities, provide umbrella supervision to doctoral level graduate students, and participate in a fellow testing clinic in collaboration with Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Medical Fellows. For more information, please contact the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Training Director: Rebekah Ridgeway, PsyD, rebekah.ridgeway@cchmc.org.
Clinical Fellowship in Moderate to Severe Behavior Treatment in Children and Adolescent with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Inpatient and Outpatient Opportunities)
The Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Psychology (DBP) Program within the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) is offering one (1-year) clinical fellowship position. The fellow has the opportunity to tailor their clinical training based on interest. Opportunities include training in the inpatient developmental psychiatry acute stabilization program within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry serving children and adolescents dually diagnosed with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders (Director: Rebekah Ridgeway, PsyD, rebekah.ridgeway@cchmc.org.; Direct supervisor: Rachel Holden, Psy.D.; rachel.holden@cchmc.org). In this rotation, the fellow will be actively involved in the behavioral assessment, development and implementation of individualized treatment programs to treat severe problem behavior, parent and caregiver training, as well as participation in daily interdisciplinary rounds and family meetings. This training offers fellows the opportunity to experience a broad range of experiential learning from a multi-disciplinary team who cares for complex children with the goal of developing entry-level professionals with a broad skill and knowledge base to treat a range of severe behavior challenges in children with developmental disabilities. The fellow also could complete their training within the Brief Intensive Behavior Treatment (BIBT) program (Direct supervisor: Laura Srivorakiat, Psy.D.; laura.srivorakiat@cchmc.org). BIBT is an outpatient treatment clinic for children/adolescents with developmental disabilities and moderate-to-severe behavior problems who have not been successful in traditional outpatient behavioral treatment or require a higher level of care. The program utilizes ABA methodology, including functional analysis of behavior, to address broad concerns ranging from pica to aggression. Caregivers are directly involved in all aspects of care in BIBT and receive assistance from direct support staff. As such, fellows will develop skills working closely with caregivers and staff. Fellows will be able to collaborate with other multi-disciplinary team members including developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social work. The fellow can also receive training in protective equipment consultation and consultation for severe behavior. Fellows can select from these two rotations, which may include completing 6-month rotations in both or prioritizing one with a minor rotation in the other. Further, additional elective considerations include short-term behavior treatment for more mild intensity behaviors, group treatment (anxiety, social skills, parent behavior training), and feeding intervention.
Clinical Fellowship in Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
The Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Psychology (NDBP) Program within the Division of Behavior Medicine and Clinical Psychology of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) is offering one (1-year) clinical fellowship position which focuses on evidenced-based treatment of children and adolescents (ages 1-22) who present with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities within a multidisciplinary, outpatient setting. Training will include a combination of treatment modalities, such as group intervention (e.g., social skills, anxiety, parent behavior training, flexibility/executive functioning), family-based parent training (RUBI PT and Parent Child Interaction Therapy), and individual interventions (e.g., CBT for anxiety/mood conditions). Fellows have the opportunity to work towards PCIT certification. The following minor rotations are also available: diagnostic assessment in the NDBP multidisciplinary clinic, interdisciplinary feeding treatment, early intervention/ABA, integrated behavioral health, neurobehavioral psychiatry inpatient unit, and moderate to severe behavior outpatient treatment. Depending on selected minor rotations, fellows can generally pursue 2-3 minor rotations. As part of the fellowship, fellows also participate in community outreach activities and have opportunities to provide umbrella supervision to graduate level doctoral trainees. For more information, please contact the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Training Director: Rebekah Ridgeway, PsyD, rebekah.ridgeway@cchmc.org.
Research Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), announces the availability of a Research Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on intervention research related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotion Dysregulation, and Regulating Together. This 2 year research fellowship position is within the clinical research lab of Dr. Rebecca Shaffer whose research focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotion dysregulation, and fragile X syndrome. The fellow will work directly on two funded intervention trials focused on Regulating Together, 1) Department of Defense Clinical Trial examining facilitators and barriers to treatment success, and 2) an NICHD R01 examining the additive effects of canine assistance. The fellow will participate in psychological testing, physiological measurement and analysis of heart rate variability, cognitive flexibility computer testing, and intervention implementation including with Regulating Together, canine assisted, and an executive functioning skills group. Other active studies in the lab focus on phenotyping, early diagnosis and intervention, and fragile X intervention. There are many opportunities for independent research related to the studies, clinical experiences, and leading presentations and publications if the fellow is interested. Diagnostic testing and intervention experiences with fragile X are also available if the fellow so desires. Additionally, supervision experience with undergraduate and graduate students and coordinators is available. Responsibilities can be arranged to meet supervised hour requirements for licensure as well as the fellow’s unique interests and goals.
The Shaffer Lab is very involved in the local autism community through community events and partnerships with local school districts which provides additional event experiences throughout the year. Our lab is part of a larger multidisciplinary group, The Neurobehavioral Lab, which is a large team including child psychiatrists, licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, and research coordinators. For more information, please contact Rebecca Shaffer, PsyD at rebecca.shaffer@cchmc.org.
Clinical Research Fellowship in Fragile X Syndrome
The Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Psychology (NDBP) program within the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) announces the availability of a Research Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on research related to Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This 1-2 year research fellowship position focuses on a combination of clinical training and translational research in FXS. The fellow will work within The Neurobehavioral Lab (Director: Craig Erickson, MD), a large team including child psychiatrists, licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, and research coordinators. The Neurobehavioral Lab has multiple federally-funded projects focused on FXS, including phenotyping studies, pharmaceutical clinical trials, and biomarker development. Opportunities within research are extensive, including but not limited to electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood-based molecular measures, eye tracking, neurocognitive measures, and parent-report measures. Collaborations with internal and external investigators provide additional rich opportunities to be involved in innovative translational projects working across species. Opportunities for dissemination of research through conferences, manuscripts, and oral presentations are plentiful. Clinical training will focus on diagnostic testing for autism spectrum disorders as well as developmental and cognitive assessment within the context of research. Additional diagnostic and intervention experience may be available if the fellow so desires. For more information, please contact the Meredith N. Will, PhD at meredith.will@cchmc.org and/or Lauren Schmitt, PhD at lauren.schmitt@cchmc.org.
Within a year of their completion of the fellowship program, our past clinical research fellows in the lab have all obtained faculty positions at academic medical centers and have demonstrated high success rates of institutional, foundational (Autism Science Foundation), and/or federal funding (NICHD K23 Career Mentored Award).
The Neurobehavioral Lab is highly engaged with the broader Fragile X community. Fellows will have the opportunity to take part in FXS family picnics, bimonthly “Table Talks” on specific clinical topics, incorporating key stakeholder feedback from our Family Advisory Council, and other community events. In addition, there are opportunities to work with Dr. Schmitt and her community partnerships to develop and run trainings for autistic individuals and first responders to enhance mutual respect and community safety.
Clinical Neuropsychology / Psychology Fellowship Program
Housed within the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, the fellowship program in Neuropsychology (Neuropsychology Training Director: Thea Quinton, PhD, ABPP, thea.quinton@cchmc.org; Associate Training Director: Dean Beebe, PhD, ABPP, dean.beebe@cchmc.org) has an opening for one 2-year position. This fellowship conforms to the guidelines established by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN). Fellows receive broad clinical training with diverse neurologic and medical populations, participate in a variety of didactic activities, and contribute to ongoing research programs. We use an apprenticeship model focused on active mentoring, career development, professional role identity, and development of skills in clinical care and research that ensures success as a scientist-practitioner. For more information about the neuropsychology fellowship and a list of needed application materials, please click here to view our brochure.
T32 Fellowship in Child Behavior and Nutrition
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) announces the availability of 2 positions in the T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Center for Child Behavior and Nutrition Research and Training (T32DK063929-21; Co-PIs: Meg H. Zeller, PhD, and Scott W. Powers, PhD, ABPP). Our longstanding mission is to develop academic leaders and interdisciplinary team scientists through formalized cross-disciplinary postdoctoral training that will lead to better and more equitable health and nutrition-related outcomes for youth across the pediatric age range. Our T32 fellows balance time between mentored clinical research experiences with program faculty executing federally funded clinical studies, clinical rotations in aligned programs, & the development of a mentor-aligned independent project. Additional core didactics as well as individualized experiential learning in a vibrant training environment supports further development of skills in scientific writing, grant development and team management, adherence science, and health equity, and community engagement and collaboration. Our graduates transition to clinical or research faculty positions in academic health centers and university settings and emerge as leaders in team science initiatives, clinical program development, and the training of the next generation of pediatric psychologists.
For the upcoming cycle, current faculty work focuses in: Pediatric Primary Care: prevention trial focused on mothers and their young children 0-24 months from marginalized populations (tiffany.rybak@cchmc.org); Community-Engaged Research: home-visiting program utilizing community members in delivery of prevention trial focused on infants & maternal mental health (odarcc@ucmail.uc.edu); Public Health: increasing WIC enrollment via collaboration and improving referral processes between WIC and primary care offices (odarcc@ucmail.uc.edu); Bariatric Surgery: testing novel intergenerational approaches for school-age children when parent undergoes surgery; adolescent bariatric surgery outcomes in young adulthood (meg.zeller@cchmc.org); Food Access and Eating Behavior: understanding impacts of food insecurity on adolescent health; informing preventive approaches to disordered eating and weight-related health in the context of social determinants of health (carolina.bejarano@cchmc.org); Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: clinical trials to understand the impact of adolescent sleep of inadequate duration or does not match circadian rhythms of health behaviors, including dietary intake and physical activity (beebd0@cchmc.org); Pediatric Migraine: (scott.powers@cchmc.org). Additional mentorship and resources are provided through team collaborations with affiliated T32 faculty in pediatric endocrinology, sleep medicine, gastroenterology, bariatric surgery, pulmonary medicine, neurology, and nutrition science, and the Center for Adherence and Self-Management. The T32 funds independent research-related expenses, tuition, and travel to professional meetings. These positions are 2 years in duration (required).
T32 Fellowship in Adherence and Self-Management
The Center for Adherence and Self-Management has two open research fellowship positions funded by a NIH-NICHD T32 training grant (Directors: Kevin Hommel, PhD, kevin.hommel@cchmc.org and Meghan McGrady, PhD, meghan.mcgrady@cchmc.org) in treatment adherence research and involves all Center faculty. This position affords extensive opportunities in multidisciplinary research with faculty in clinical psychology, pediatrics, and biostatistics. Program fellows have opportunities to conduct research in the following areas: measurement of adherence to treatment including electronic monitoring; digital health approaches to self-management; behavioral and pharmacological approaches; statistical methods, including predictive models of influence on adherence to treatment; studies of the relationship of adherence to clinical outcomes; and clinical trials to promote treatment adherence and health outcomes for a range of chronic conditions. Click here for more information about the Center for Adherence and Self-Management.
Obesity Prevention Fellowship in Pediatric Primary Care
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) announces the availability of a one-year research Postdoctoral Fellowship position in Obesity Prevention in Pediatric Primary Care. This research fellowship is funded by an NIH grant focused on obesity prevention in infants in pediatric primary care, with a focus on communities of color and economically marginalized families. The postdoctoral fellow would provide a manual-based responsive parenting clinical intervention as a part of the clinical trial, execute study-related tasks, and aid in manuscript writing and presentations. The fellow will learn about various aspects of clinical trial design and execution. Additional research, clinical, and didactic trainings will also be offered. For specific inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Tiffany Rybak (tiffany.rybak@cchmc.org).
Pediatric Pain Clinical Research Fellowship
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) with the Pediatric Pain Psychology Research Program (Director: Susmita Kashikar-Zuck, PhD), announces the availability of a one (1-year) Postdoctoral Fellowship position. The fellow will primarily work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers on studies of cognitive behavioral and exercise-based treatment of adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic diseases (the FIT Teens Program). The pain fellow will assist with the implementation of FIT Teens treatment sessions as well as collaborate on other studies on biopsychosocial mechanisms and treatment of pediatric chronic pain and rheumatic diseases. The fellow will have opportunities to participate in study coordination, manuscript and grant preparation, and to be involved in multiple ongoing collaborative research projects in pediatric chronic pain with neuroscientists, pain medicine, rheumatology, sports medicine/and injury prevention researchers. Projects may include validation of pediatric pain assessment instruments, clinical trials, assessment of physical activity, biomechanics and quantitative sensory testing/functional neuroimaging of pain. Additional clinical training opportunities are available within the interdisciplinary Pain Service. Clinical research is a key aspect of the position and applicants with strong clinical experiences, research interests, and scientist-practitioner training are encouraged to apply. For more information about this fellowship, please contact Dr. Kashikar-Zuck at susmita.kashikar-zuck@cchmc.org.
Epilepsy and Executive Functioning Fellowship
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) announces the availability of a two-year postdoctoral position focused on an NIH-funded multi-site clinical trial testing an executive functioning intervention for adolescents with epilepsy (PI: Avani Modi, PhD). The postdoctoral fellow would aid in the refinement of the intervention materials, helping develop and lead a patient/family advisory board, serving as an interventionist to provide the telehealth component of the intervention, scientific writing and presentations, and working on various aspects of clinical trial design and execution. Additional research and clinical opportunities are also available depending on interests. For details, please contact Dr. Modi (avani.modi@cchmc.org).
Eating Disorders Treatment and Research
The Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology (BMCP) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) announces the availability of a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Eating Disorders Treatment and Research. Successful candidates will be committed to evidence-based practice, have prior clinical experience in child and adolescent psychology, and have an ultimate desire to specialize in eating disorders treatment and research. The fellow will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide evidence-based care for youth (aged 8-25) with a wider range of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and binge eating disorder. Training opportunities in complementary clinical areas will also be provided, based on the fellow’s educational needs and interests, including multidisciplinary feeding team, pain clinic, consultation/liaison service, gender health clinic, OCD treatment, and/or behavior problems. The fellow will also receive protected time for collaborative research projects, program development, and/or teaching, as determined by their ultimate career goals. The duration of the fellowship will be either 1 or 2 years, based on the fellow’s experience and training goals. The primary mentor of this position is Claire Aarnio-Peterson, PhD, claire.aarnio-peterson@cchmc.org.
Clinical Fellowship within Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology has partnered with the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (CBDI; Lauren Szulczewski, PsyD, Director) to offer a clinical postdoctoral fellowship in psychosocial hematology, oncology, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant. This is a one-year clinical fellowship. This position provides a tailored experience that affords extensive inpatient and outpatient training opportunities in evidence-based assessment, consultation, and intervention to facilitate coping, improve quality of life, optimize treatment adherence, manage acute and chronic pain, and treat psychological co-morbidities. The fellow will fully integrate into multidisciplinary clinical teams that include child life specialists, social workers, school intervention specialists, chaplains, music therapists, neuropsychologists, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and physicians. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in seminars and didactics in the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology as well as the CBDI. Other potential opportunities include participation in quality improvement and implementation science projects as well as program development related to screening, treatment adherence, survivorship, and tackling health care disparities. Click here for more information on the Patient and Family Wellness Center.
Clinical Fellowship in Inpatient Consultation Liaison Services for Behavioral Medicine
The Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology (BMCP) is offering a 1-year clinical postdoctoral fellowship with the Inpatient Consultation/Liaison (C/L) Behavioral Medicine team. This position provides a tailored experience that affords extensive inpatient opportunities in consultation and interventions to facilitate coping, improve quality of life, optimize treatment adherence, manage acute and chronic pain, and treat psychological co-morbidities for medically admitted patients and their caregivers. There will be a focus on supporting patients and their caregivers in the Neonatal ICUs and Transitional Care Center (TCC) unit (a Pulmonology run trach-vent unit). With these units there will be opportunities to integrate with and support multidisciplinary clinical teams that include child life specialists, social workers, integrative health, chaplains, music therapists, allied health professionals, nurses, and physicians. The fellowship will include clinical time with our general C/L service that covers Hospital Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Nephrology/Endocrinology, Surgery, Solid Organ Transplant, and Rehabilitation service lines. There will also be the opportunity for training in our Inpatient Pain Rehabilitation program, the Functional Independence ReSToration (FIRST) program. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in seminars and didactics in the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology as well as Psychiatry and Pediatric Residency Program. Other potential opportunities include participation in quality improvement and process implementation projects in collaboration with inpatient medical teams and units. Research opportunities may also be available depending on interest and fit. For more information, please reach out to Wendi Lopez, PsyD (wendi.lopez@cchmc.org).
Research Fellowship in Psychological Aspects of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Cincinnati Children's Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center and the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology has a 1- or 2-year research fellowship position focused on psychological aspects of pediatric and congenital heart disease. The Fellow will work within an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, led by Nadine Kasparian, PhD and the Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center on research investigating biopsychosocial factors associated with mental health outcomes in individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD), their caregivers, and other family members.
The Fellow will have opportunities to participate in study coordination, manuscript, and grant preparation, and to be involved in multiple ongoing collaborative projects in childhood heart disease, working with researchers in medical psychology, cardiology, cardiac surgery, neuroscience, radiology, genetics, nursing, and biostatistics, in partnership with our Heart Institute Patient and Family Advisory Council. Projects may include clinical trials and prospective cohort studies, as well as investigations of the effects of early medical adversity on child neurodevelopmental outcomes. While this fellowship position is primarily research-focused, clinical research is a key aspect of the position and applicants with strong clinical experience, research interest, and scientist-practitioner training are encouraged to apply. Additional clinical training opportunities are also available. For specific inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Nadine Kasparian (nadine.kasparian@cchmc.org).
Postdoctoral training in psychology occurs under the supervision of licensed psychologists and occurs over a one to two year period. Based upon Ohio state law and the criteria for listing in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), there are no year-specific objectives for training. The following goals and objectives are forwarded to the State Board of Psychology each year when our program reports the individuals under supervision for the upcoming year. Specifically, at the conclusion of training (one - two years), the:
Each clinical case (assessment, treatment, or consultation) is assigned to a supervisor who is a licensed psychologist. This supervisor meets face-to-face each week with the fellow for supervision and reviews each case and signs all treatment, assessment, and / or discharge notes. In addition, in accordance with Ohio State Law, each individual receiving clinical care receives a letter documenting the supervised nature of the services that they are receiving. Evaluation for clinical care will take place by the primary clinical supervisors and will be based on the degree of competence in the specific areas of practice of the fellow, the responsiveness and timeliness of their communications with multi-disciplinary colleagues and family members, and documentation and records.
Clinical training experiences are built into clinical fellowship positions. The directors of the fellowship program can match research-focused fellows with clinical experiences / shadowing, when appropriate. Fellows obtain a minimum of 1,500 clinical hours by the completion of their training.
Many fellows are expected to take part in research that is significant, empirically sound and ethically appropriate. The degree of involvement and the specific projects will be set between fellow and mentor at the beginning of the fellowship. Several fellowships are heavily research-oriented. Specific goals for research will be set for each six-month period.
Every research fellow will attend the Psychology Research Group and Writer's Workshop seminars that occur monthly and will have the opportunity to present proposals and manuscripts and to review others' work. For each session, faculty will provide guidance to the fellow. The presenting fellow will work closely with the mentor during preparation.
Research will be evaluated on the basis of significance, scientific merit, innovation and human subjects' issues. In addition, many of the focus areas have specific journal clubs pertinent to their subject area. All fellows are invited to attend these journal clubs. Evaluation for research will take place by determining the degree to which the fellow is accomplishing goals.
Each fellow will be expected to participate in providing lectures / presentations to students and colleagues of other disciplines, areas of focus or different levels of training. Some fellows will be involved in "umbrella supervision" of graduate students or psychology residents. Supervisors will evaluate fellows' teaching and mentoring by determining whether they have accomplished the teaching activities set as objectives. In addition, evaluators will complete formal evaluation forms, faculty observation and informal feedback from participants when assessing fellows.
Each fellow will be expected to work closely with colleagues of different disciplines or areas of focus. Fellows are expected to be respectful of the knowledge base of those from other disciplines or areas of focus, and to provide consultation when appropriate. For all of the focus areas, fellows are automatically part of at least one multidisciplinary activity or team. Evaluation will occur by assessing the fellows' competence as members of their multidisciplinary teams.
Each fellow is required to participate in a minimum of two hours a week of didactic learning experiences. Most of these hours will be completed in seminars related to fellows' specific focus areas. There are three monthly seminars that all postdoctoral fellows are required to attend, and a number of other seminars that fellows may choose based on their interests and training goals. Each fellow will be asked to keep a monthly log of seminars attended, which is submitted to the mentor and the directors of training every six months.
Self-Assessment and Initial Goal Setting
We believe it is beneficial for the fellow to assess their baseline skills and experiences via our program's Fellow Self-Assessment Form. During the first month of training, fellows rate their perceived competence and confidence across specific research and clinical skills. This self-assessment is not meant to be evaluative, but simply to start a dialogue about past training experiences and to enhance goal setting. By definition, fellows should be entering fellowship training at Cincinnati Children's because they have specific skills they wish to further develop. Fellows set goals and are evaluated across the following areas: Educational, Clinical, Research, Teaching/Mentoring, and Professional Relationships/Development. The self-assessment and goal setting forms are reviewed by mentors and program directors. Feedback will be provided for revisions, if necessary. The final document is signed by all parties.
Evaluation Process
Fellow Evaluation: At six-month intervals, the primary mentor(s) / supervisor(s) and fellow complete a series of evaluations. The fellow prefills the Goals and Fellow Evaluation form with their initial (or previous goals) and provides documentation of progress towards each goal. The primary supervisor will then add their comments and ratings to this form to ensure both the evaluation and progress towards goals is captured in one document. Fellows ask secondary clinical or research supervisors to provide written feedback to their primary mentor to be integrated into this single document. New goals are also set for the next six-month period. The evaluation forms are reviewed by the program directors. Feedback will be provided for revisions, if necessary. The final document is signed by all parties.
Ratings: Fellows are evaluated on a three-point scale to denote current status across Educational, Clinical, Research, Teaching/Mentoring, and Professional Relationships/Development domains. A "Needs Improvement (1)" rating indicates that the trainee does not meet expectations for performance at this point in training. This rating indicates that this is a specific area of relative weakness and that the trainee's performance needs to be discussed with the program directors (See Due Process Policy). The narrative needs to describe in detail the problem area and outline a plan for addressing this area. A rating "On Target (2)" indicates that the trainee currently meets expectations for performance at this point in training. Supervisors should be aware that brief behavior changes do not necessarily override previous or overall performance. Additionally, if a fellow previously has received a rating of a "Needs Improvement" on a goal, the fellow should demonstrate a consistent improvement in performance before an "On Target" is awarded on that goal. A rating of "Exceptional Performance (3)" indicates the trainee has gone above and beyond in this area of performance. This rating is given rarely, and content should reflect how the trainee has had exceptional performance in this area.
Evaluation of Mentors, Supervisors, and Training Program: Clinical and research mentors / supervisors are evaluated along the same timeline (every six months) using program specific forms. The evaluation forms are reviewed by the program directors. Feedback will be provided if necessary. The final document is signed by all parties. Fellows evaluate the training program throughout the year, as well as formally at the end of the training year. An anonymous online survey is provided for this end-of-year evaluation, which is compiled by the chief fellow(s) and presented to faculty, with a copy forwarded to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Office.
Appeal, Due Process and Grievances: Fellows and training faculty have the right to appeal any evaluation they have received. Fellows and their supervisors are encouraged to work out any difficulties within the context of the supervisory relationship and among focus area faculty. Any difficulties that cannot be resolved or persist should be brought directly to the fellowship program directors. Procedures for appeal, due process, grievances, and handling professional impairment are reviewed at the annual fellow and faculty orientation and are included on the program website and in the program manual.
Each fellow is provided with a Professional Development Mentor (PDM). To facilitate this process, fellows meet with one of the program directors to discuss mentoring needs and faculty options. Fellows are required to meet with their PDM four times per year (quarterly) or as often as desired.
We have a due process policy and a grievance policy in place. Fellows and faculty receive a copy of these procedures at the commencement of training, with a copy included in the training manual.
Title: Psychology Fellows’ Didactic
Frequency: Second Friday of the month
Time: 1 – 2:50 pm
Organizer: Co-Chief Fellows, Oversight: Fellowship Directors
Purpose: Provide a forum to discuss issues of professional development such as program development, preparing for job talks, work-life balance, interviewing, etc.
Title: Fellowship Colloquium
Frequency: First Monday of month (depending on graduating class size, more Mondays may be added)
Time: 12 – 1 pm
Organizer: Meg Stone-Heaberlin, PsyD
Purpose: Provide first and second year fellows a local opportunity to present their research and / or clinical "job-talk" to peers, faculty, and interested staff. Fellows are provided with oral and written feedback on presentation style, slide-set, and content.
Title: Pre-PRG
Frequency: Various Thursdays of the month
Time: 9:15 – 10 am
Organizer: Fellowship co-chiefs
Purpose: Allow fellow reviewers and other fellows an opportunity to informally discuss grants to be reviewed during PRG
Audience: Open to all fellows.
Title: Diagnostic Case Conference
Frequency: Once per month
Organizer: Rebekah Ridgeway, PsyD
Purpose: Review upcoming cases returning for their feedback session. This provides a forum for fellows to develop their case presentation skills and communication with multiple disciplines.
Title: NDBP Fellowship Didactic
Frequency: Once per month
Organizer: Rebekah Ridgeway, PsyD
Purpose: Discuss professional development, clinical supervision, etc.
Title: Global Autism Interactive Network (GAIN) ADOS-2 Reliability
Frequency: Fourth Friday of the month
Time: 12:45 - 2:45 pm
Organizer: Robin Adams, PhD
Purpose: Ensure competency across ADOS-2 modules related to administration and scoring.
Title: DDBP Research and Understanding the Evidence Base Seminar Series
Frequency: One to two times per month, typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday (varies)
Time: 12 - 1 pm
Organizer: Anna Esbensen, PhD
Purpose: Obtain latest updates to advances in research on conditions associated with developmental and behavioral pediatrics.
Scheduling: Admin will add to calendar
Title: Neuropsychology Didactic Series and Case Conference
Frequency: Every Wednesday
Time: 10 - 11 am
Organizer: Anne Bradley, PhD
Purpose: A rotation of didactic experiences, including readings, brief and extended case presentations, topical presentations, and mock oral examinations for board certification.
Title: ABPP Neuropsychological Readings Group
Frequency: Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 9 - 10 am
Organizer: Neuropsychology Fellows
Purpose: To review readings in preparation for the ABPP written exam. Intended for fellows, junior faculty, and select graduate students.
Title: Adherence Center Fellowship Seminar
Frequency: Second Friday of the month
Time: 11 am - noon
Organizer: Kevin Hommel, PhD
Purpose: Discuss topics related to treatment adherence and professional development
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for Adherence T32s.
Title: Research Seminar
Frequency: First and Third Friday of the month
Time: 11 am - noon
Organizer: T32 PIs (Meg Zeller, PhD, Scott Powers, PhD, ABPP, FAHS, and Kevin Hommel, PhD)
Purpose: This is a required (combined) seminar for T32 fellows from Child Behavior and Nutrition and the Center for Adherence and Self-Management for topics related to ethics and research misconduct, skills in manuscript writing and peer review, and grant-writing. Fellows also present a "research in progress" during their second year of training.
Audience:Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Writer's Workshop
Frequency: Fourth Friday of the month
Time: 11 am - noon
Organizer: Fellow (appointed annually)
Purpose: Provide a supportive group-based critique of fellows' manuscripts in progress, revise and resubmit editorial verdicts, grant proposals.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Pre-PRG
Frequency: Various Thursdays of the month
Time: 9:15 – 10 am
Organizer: Fellowship Co-Chiefs
Purpose: Allow fellow reviewers and other fellows an opportunity to informally discuss grants to be reviewed during PRG.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Psychology Research Group seminar (PRG)
Frequency: Various Thursdays of the month
Time: 10 - 11 am
Organizer: Kevin Hommel, PhD
Purpose: Foster the development and review of research projects within the division.
Audience: BMCP research faculty. Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Research Seminar
Frequency: First and Third Friday of the month
Time: 11 am -noon
Organizer: T32 PIs (Meg Zeller, PhD, Scott Powers, PhD, ABPP, FAHS, and Kevin Hommel, PhD)
Purpose: This is a required (combined) seminar for T32 fellows from Child Behavior and Nutrition and the Center for Adherence and Self-Management to topics related to ethics and research misconduct, skills in manuscript writing and peer review, and grant-writing. Fellows also present a "research in progress" during their second year of training.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Writer’s Workshop
Frequency: Fourth Friday of the month
Time: 11 am - noon
Organizer: Fellow (appointed annually)
Purpose: Provide a supportive group-based critique of fellows' manuscripts in progress, revise and resubmit editorial verdicts, grant proposals.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Pre-PRG
Frequency: Various Thursdays of the month
Time: 9:15 – 10 am
Organizer: Fellowship Co-Chiefs
Purpose: Allow fellow reviewers and other fellows an opportunity to informally discuss grants to be reviewed during PRG.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
Title: Psychology Research Group seminar (PRG)
Frequency: Various Thursdays of the month
Time: 10 – 11 am
Organizer: Kevin Hommel, PhD
Purpose: Foster the development and review of research projects within the division.
Audience: Open to all fellows. Required for T32s.
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