Alongside the specialization program into which the fellow is accepted, all postdoctoral fellows are required to participate in a core seminar program that covers professional, clinical and research topics.
Learn more about how to apply.
Research Rotation
All fellows will engage in clinical research under the supervision of faculty members at Le Bonheur. At the start of fellowship, fellows will review ongoing research projects and select one aligned with their interests. Research activities may include data collection, cleaning and analysis, interpretation of findings, scientific writing and dissemination through presentations and publications.
Pediatric psychology fellows are expected to contribute to at least one scholarly product and neuropsychology fellows are expected to contribute to two scholarly products by the end of fellowship, such as poster or oral presentations at regional/national conferences, manuscript authorship, quality improvement initiatives or pilot grant submissions. At minimum, each fellow will present one poster at a professional conference with financial support provided. Opportunities for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are available, and fellows are encouraged to initiate independent research projects under faculty mentorship. This rotation fosters professional development and enhances fellows’ academic portfolios through meaningful contributions to pediatric psychology and neuropsychology research.
Didactic Experiences
All fellows will engage in a minimum of 120 minutes per week. Fellows will participate in a comprehensive didactic curriculum designed to support clinical and professional development across both tracks. Fellows are expected to attend two didactic seminars per week, including a 90-minute interdisciplinary seminar held every Friday in collaboration with the UT Health Science Center Professional Psychology Internship Consortium. Each fellow will lead at least one presentation during the year, with mentorship from a faculty supervisor.
Didactic offerings are tailored to support preparation for board certification and licensure. Pediatric psychology fellows are similarly supported in preparing for licensure and board certification, with access to relevant study resources and mentorship. Neuropsychology fellows are required to take the APPCN Fellow Exam at the end of their first year and are strongly encouraged to complete the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) during fellowship.
Fellows across both tracks benefit from the following structured experiences:
- Specialty Seminars:
- Pediatric Psychology Seminar: Fellows engage in topic-specific seminars that address evidence-based interventions, integrated care, psychological assessment in pediatric populations and approaches that promote respectful and effective care across varied backgrounds.
- Pediatric Neuropsychology Seminar: Weekly sessions include lectures, journal discussions and case presentations focused on neuroanatomy, assessment, cultural considerations and specific developmental and medical conditions. Fellows may also participate in mock fact findings to prepare for board certification.
- Professional Development Series: Fellows in both tracks participate in monthly seminars focused on career development, leadership and academic advancement. Each fellow is encouraged to cultivate an area of special interest, with faculty mentorship guiding clinical, research and didactic experiences to support this focus. Second-year fellows receive support in preparing job talks and navigating the academic job market.
- Teaching & Supervision: Fellows gain experience in supervision by mentoring interns and externs under the guidance of licensed psychologists. This rotation helps fellows develop supervisory competencies essential for future leadership roles.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Fellows are encouraged to attend additional educational opportunities such as Neurology Case Conference and Pediatric Grand Rounds, which provide exposure to multidisciplinary perspectives and current clinical research.
Competency Benchmarks and Evaluation Process
Competency Benchmarks
These benchmarks reflect progressive development across core domains using a developmental model (e.g., "Emerging → Consolidating → Proficient").
Assessment
- Administers, scores and interprets pediatric psychological/neuropsychological measures accurately
- Demonstrates clinical reasoning in differential diagnosis
- Integrates data into coherent conceptualizations and reports
Intervention
- Develops evidence-based treatment plans for pediatric populations
- Demonstrates skill in delivering psychological interventions (e.g., CBT, ACT, pain management)
- Adjusts interventions based on developmental and other factors
Consultation & Interprofessional Collaboration
- Communicates effectively with medical teams, educators and families
- Provides actionable recommendations in multidisciplinary settings
- Demonstrates understanding of systems-level care
Supervision & Teaching
- Engages in peer supervision and feedback
- Demonstrates teaching skills with interns or practicum students
- Reflects on supervisory process and models ethical practice
Ethical & Legal Standards
- Applies APA ethical principles and Tennessee licensure laws
- Maintains confidentiality and informed consent practices
- Identifies and responds to ethical dilemmas appropriately
Cultural & Individual Understanding
- Demonstrates awareness of own cultural identity and background
- Integrates considerations of the individual’s background into case conceptualization and treatment
- Advocates for individually responsive care
Professionalism
- Demonstrates accountability, reliability and initiative
- Responds constructively to feedback
- Maintains appropriate boundaries and demeanor
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Critically evaluates literature relevant to clinical practice
- Applies research findings to clinical decision-making
- Participates in scholarly activities (e.g., presentations, publications)
Fellow Evaluation Process
Frequency
- Quarterly evaluations (every three months)
- Midyear and final summative evaluations
- Ongoing informal feedback during supervision
Tools
- Structured evaluation
- Narrative feedback sections for strengths, growth areas and goals
- Self-assessment form completed by the fellow
Process
- Supervisor completes evaluation based on direct observation, case presentations, documentation and feedback from other team members
- Fellow reviews and discusses evaluation during supervision
- Joint goalsetting for next quarter
- Documentation stored in fellow’s training file
Remediation Plan (if needed)
- Triggered by consistent ratings of “Needs Improvement"
- Includes specific goals, timeline and additional supervision
- Reviewed monthly until resolved
