Fellows will develop specific competencies and knowledge consistent with the program's philosophy. The competencies expected of postdoctoral fellows are consistent with APA Core Competencies guidelines. This fellowship satisfies guidelines for postdoctoral training and supervision in the state of Tennessee. The table below outlines the domains of competencies and examples of each.
| Domain | Examples of Competencies |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Demonstrates working knowledge of diagnostic criteria to develop an accurate diagnostic formulation autonomously. Selects and applies assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collects relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient. |
| Communication and Interpersonal Skills | Produces and comprehends oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrates a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. Establishment of rapport; engages and interacts professionally with patients/families. |
| Consultation and Interprofessional Skills | Applies knowledge of consultation models and practices in consultation with patients/families, other health care professionals, interprofessional groups, or systems related to health and behavior. Seeks consultation and supervision as needed and uses it productively. Assesses the referral question for consultation. |
| Ethical & Legal Standards | Demonstrates knowledge of and acts under each of the following: 1) the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; 2) relevant laws, regulations, rules and policies governing health service psychology at SJCRH, local, and state, regional and federal levels; and 3) relevant professional standards and principles. |
| Individual and Cultural Diversity | Accounts for the relations between environmental, social, health disparity, and cultural factors on the development and maintenance of mental and physical health problems when assessing and treating psychological and physical health conditions or implementing prevention efforts and promoting wellness. Sensitive to the cultural and individual differences of patients. |
| Integration of Science and Practice | Demonstrates the ability to formulate, test, and communicate empirical questions and findings informed by clinical problems encountered, clinical services provided, and the clinical settings within which the postdoctoral fellow works. |
| Intervention | Interventions are well-timed, effective, and consistent with empirically supported treatments. |
| Professional Values and Attitudes | Professional interaction with treatment teams, peers, and supervisors. Demonstrates appropriate autonomy and professionalism. Responds professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress through training. |
| Research/Program Evaluation | Demonstrates proficiency in maintaining knowledge of current clinical child/pediatric literature, judging the merits of studies, applying knowledge of current literature to clinical work, and translating research findings to different audiences when appropriate. Demonstrates skills in developing scholarly projects; knowledge of data analytic strategies; preparing abstracts, posters, and presentations; and writing research manuscripts. |
| Prevention | Shows understanding of social determinants of health and incorporates contextual factors into case conceptualization and prevention/intervention approaches with children and families. |
| Pediatric Psychology | Demonstrate skills in assessment and intervention for a child/adolescent behavioral problem associated with a medical condition. |
| Supervision | Communicates competency expectations and regularly provides direct, timely, and behaviorally anchored feedback to supervisers. |
- Formal evaluations occur every three months.
- Fellows formally evaluate their supervisors and the fellowship program both verbally and in writing.
- Supervisors provide written and verbal evaluation of the fellow in the areas of:
- General Professional Competencies
- Clinical Competencies
- Research Skills
- At each evaluation, fellows and supervisors re-address individual goals and progress toward those goals.
- The Psychology fellowship program reports to the St. Jude Clinical Education and Training Office (CETO). If a fellow has a grievance that cannot be resolved with the direct supervisor or the Training Director, the grievance may be directed to CETO for resolution.