The Edwin V. Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship program has been made possible by a generous gift from Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H. in memory of his brother Edwin V. Valdiserri, M.D. and creates a special opportunity for current residents who are interested in public, comminoty, or forensic psychiatry programs to receive additional experience, training and mentorship in a correctional setting.
Program Benefits
- Attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
- Two APA Annual Meetings and/or Mental Health Services Conferences
- Two APA September Component Meetings (including attendance at the Fellowship Forum)
- Attend Fellows' choice of one of the following:
- The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) Annual Meeting
- National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Annual Conference
- Attend courses and workshops at APA meetings and be exposed to training opportunities that develop leaders in public psychiatry
- Collaborate with other Public Psychiatry Fellows to plan a workshop at the APA meeting
- Gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
- Have the opportunity to sit on the APA Board of Trustees as a non-voting member (one of the Public Psychiatry Fellows allowed)
- Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals
Program Expectations
- Maintain APA membership and good standing in one’s residency program throughout the fellowship
- Contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
- Provide confirmation from your Training Director or Department Chair that this required volunteer service is feasible and can/will be supported
- Attend two consecutive APA Meetings, the APA September Components Meetings, and all fellowship related activities
- Participate in the Fellowship Forum during the APA September Components Meeting
- Participate on an assigned APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group where organizational decisions are made and gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance
- Participate in Fellowship teleconferences (a minimum of 50%)
- Participate in mid-year and year-end evaluations with Fellowship Program Manager.
Number of Awards
One per year, pending funding
Duration
Two consecutive years
Program Term
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025
Eligibility at the Time of Matriculation
- APA member
- At least PGY 1 or PGY-2 in accredited U.S. or Canadian psychiatry residency program with two remaining years of training.
- Have strong interest in Public, Community, or Forensic psychiatry
- Open to non-U.S. citizens, non-US residents, and graduates of international medical colleges
- Be willing to contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
- Be able to receive institutional support for correctional facility volunteer work
You may apply for as many APA/APAF Fellowships during an application cycle based on your eligibility. However, participation in more than one APA fellowship simultaneously is not permitted.
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form.
- Curriculum vitae, including if applicable:
- Special clinical training
- Creative activity
- Evidence of leadership and/or collaborative capacity
- One-page personal statement explaining how the fellowship will impact the applicant's career
- The personal statement should address the following:
- Your motivation for applying for the fellowship
- Your leadership experiences
- Your dedication to public psychiatry and serving underserved populations
- The personal statement should address the following:
- Three letters of recommendation from psychiatrists, including one letter from the applicant’s training director or department chair. The training director/department chair’s letter must confirm support for applicant’s volunteer work in a correctional facility.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee will be looking for the following competencies in the applicants:
- Public Service and Leadership: Evidence of volunteer work/activities with underserved populations (not including required residency activities), advocacy pursuits and/or leadership and/or collaborative capacity.
- Creative Pursuits: Evidence of creative activity (i.e.: research, program development, editorials, etc.). Include presentations, publications, and grants.
- Academic Record: Undergraduate training, medical school, and graduate training (e.g., MPH), special clinical training and/or any awards received by the applicant.
- Personal Statement: Quality of the personal statement indicating the applicant’s dedication to serving underserved populations with mental illness.
Application Deadline
February 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)
Award Notification
Mid-March
Contact
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
c/o Fellowships Team
Email: [email protected]