Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment

Funded by VA Office of Academic Affiliations

Mission

To educate psychiatrists and postdoctoral psychologists who seek in-depth, comprehensive clinical and research training in the clinical neurosciences and treatment of extreme stress and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder at the Clinical Neurosciences Division of the National Center for PTSD of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and the Department of Psychiatry of the Yale University School of Medicine.

Research Portfolio

Each fellow will work with a primary clinical neuroscience research mentor who best matches his/her interests on a specific research activity in the mentor’s laboratory. As a fellow progresses through the training program, he/she will be expected to develop his/her own research projects and see a project through to completion; submit for presentation at a national meeting; complete an advanced draft of an application for a small development grant, career development award, or small research grant; and submit a scientific manuscript for publication. The Clinical Neurosciences Division laboratories/research opportunities include:

Laboratory of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics
Psychopharmacology Clinical Trials Research
Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience
Co-morbid PTSD and Substance Abuse
Military Training Sites Research
Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging
Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenesis and Treatment Mechanisms
Psychiatric Genetics

In addition to his/her research activities with renowned mentors in leading laboratories, he/she will be afforded a multitude of education opportunities including required and elective seminars that teach core skills needed to conduct trauma-related neuroscience research. Fellows will be able to master the core skills necessary to become leading-researchers with clinical, teaching, and healthcare informatics competencies as well.

Clinical Portfolio

Fellows will also be matched with a clinical mentor who will help guide his/her clinical exposure and training, developing key clinical care skills and experience, including with patient rounds and case conferences, in treating stress-related disorders using a variety of treatment approaches. Clinical training and supervision will be through the VA Connecticut Healthcare System Mental Health Service Line. Clinical opportunities include work in the following areas and clinics:

PTSD/Anxiety Disorders Clinic
Brain Rehabilitation, Assessment, and Integrated Neuropsychology (BRAIN) Clinic
Clinical Neuropsychology
The Comprehensive Pain Management Center (CPMC)
Psychosocial Rehabilitation at the Errera Community Care Center

Who is eligible?

Psychiatrists and postdoctoral psychologists interested in gaining an enriching training experience in the clinical neurosciences and stress-related disorders from an associated field of study are welcome to apply.

Location

Clinical Neurosciences Division
National Center for PTSD
VA CT Healthcare System
950 Campbell Avenue/151-E
West Haven, CT 06516

Primary Clinical Neuroscience Research Mentors

Steven Southwick, MD	Professor of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Director
Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, PhD	Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology Director
Ronald Duman, PhD	Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology
Joel Gelernter, MD	Professor of Psychiatry
John Krystal, MD	Professor of Psychiatry
Charles A. Morgan III, MD, MA	Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Ismene Petrakis, MD	Professor of Psychiatry

Other Senior clinical Neuroscience Research Mentors

Morris Bell, PhD	Professor of Psychiatry
Robert Kerns, PhD	Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology

Contact Us

For more information about our training fellowship program, please call Ann Staudt at 203-932-5711, Ext. 2464.