Training Director’s Guide to Application Requirements

A Toolkit for Successful Applications

Training Directors and APA/APAF Fellowships

A training director plays an important role in helping residents become successful APA/APAF Fellowship applicants. Refer to individual fellowship pages for complete application requirements.

Beyond writing a successful reference letter, training directors should be familiar with the following:

• All Available APA/APAF Fellowships
• Key Dates and Frequently Asked Questions about APA/APAF Fellowships
• Opportunities available to APA/APAF Fellows

Training Director’s Reference Letter

Please provide us with no more than a one-page letter of recommendation addressing each of the following:

1. Description of your training program in relation to cultural psychiatry, including didactic aspects, supervision, and clinical case conferences which pertain to cultural issues in psychiatry. The didactic curriculum should include presentation of the biological-psychological, sociocultural, economic, ethnic, gender, religious/spiritual, sexual orientation, and family factors that significantly influence physical and psychological development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Clinical training should provide sufficient experiences in the elements of clinical diagnosis with all age groups (of both sexes to include some ethnic minorities), such as interviewing; clear and accurate history taking; physical, neurological, and mental status examination; and complete and systematic recording of findings.
2. Comment on the applicant along each of the following areas:
   1. Leadership
   2. Creativity/Innovativeness
   3. Interpersonal Skills
   4. Clinical Skills
   5. Academic Ratings
   6. Interest in Identifiable Sub-Specialty
3. Applicant’s special strengths and weaknesses
4. Other information which would aid the committee in its evaluation
5. Who will provide on-site mentorship to the applicant? Please describe the qualifications of this person.
6. Please include your Name, Title, Address, Phone, Email, and Date.