Our internship program has been in existence since 1967, accredited by APA since 1980. Our aim is to develop excellence in working with youth and their families by fostering skills appropriate to a wide range of patients and contexts, emphasizing melding theory with practice. Emphasis is on practice and professional activities within a pediatric context. Interns who complete our program understand, communicate effectively with, and interact comfortably and freely with other health service professionals. Training emphasizes assessment, intervention, consultation, and research with youth with special health needs and their families. Trainees work with youth with conditions ranging from those with traditionally defined developmental disabilities (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disability, metabolic disorders, ADHD) to those with chronic health conditions (e.g., seizures, diabetes, cancer, chronic pain) to those with emotional/behavioral challenges. Further, the internship program is integrated into our institution's interdisciplinary leadership training (LEND Program), which offers didactic, experiential, and professional training opportunities to trainees of up to 15 disciplines.
Diverse training occurs because of the intersection between the emphasis of the Institute on Disability & Development (IDD) and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, through which inpatient (medical) and outpatient services are provided. Training activities occur primarily on the OHSU campus; some occur in the community. The IDD's focus is on the total well-being of individuals over the entire life span, though the internship program focuses on child/pediatric populations.
There are 3 separate training tracks available for the 2023-2024 training year: Special Health Needs, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neuropsychology Tracks. Note, the primary distinction between each of these tracks is the major rotations (1 day per week). Other aspects of training are nearly identical. We are recruiting for 3 positins in the Special Health Needs track, 1 position in the Autism track, and 1 position in the Neuropsychology track for the 2023-2024 training year.
Regardless of track, our program is best suited to trainees who are interested in the full spectrum of training we offer regardless of the track in which they complete the training. Applicants are welcome to apply for consideration to one or more tracks based on their training and professional interests/goals. Applicants will be considered independently for their match to each track of interest.
Please see the program website for specific details about training experiences and opportunities.