The internship's overarching philosophy of training follows the Practitioner-Scholar Model, emphasizing the integration of science and practice and the practical application of scholarly knowledge. The model stresses the importance of the development of self-reflection and awareness, flexibility, and openness to learning. Interns are trained to think critically and engage in scholarly inquiry. The program incorporates aspects of clinical, health, neuropsychology, and family systems theory. Six interns will work with adults (two, six-month rotations), two will work with children and adolescents during the entire training year. Six adult interns will work have a 6-month outpatient rotation and a six-month inpatient rotation. One is a general inpatient rotation and one includes cardiopulmonary and complex medical conditions The pediatric interns work on various outpatient services including at Langone Orthopedic Hospital and NYU Lutheran Hospital. One is a general inpatient rotation and one includes cardiopulmonary and complex medical conditions.
Each intern will receive intensive training in general clinical psychology skills, neuropsychological testing, cognitive remediation, and individual and group psychotherapy. There are four weekly seminars and a two-week Orientation Program. The two-week Orientation Program provides an opportunity to learn about the major diagnoses at Rusk Rehabilitation, including Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal cord injury, cancer, neuromuscular conditions, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. The weekly seminars include a Continuous Case Seminar, a Leadership and Professional Development, Cognitive Remediation, Neuroanatomy & Neuropsychological Assessment, and Psychological Interventions.