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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program

This fellowship works with these departments and clinics:

Psychology and Psychiatry, Addiction Services Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Partial Hospitalization Program

We are an ACGME accredited Child Psychiatry Fellowship Program. We are a SMALL Program and we like it that way… Our FOCUS is EDUCATION, not service.

Why are our fellowship programs different? See why >
What is it like living in Greater Akron? Let us show you!
We have wellness resources just for you. Learn more >
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Learn more >
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What They‘re Saying…

“The child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Akron Children’s Hospital offers robust, clinically diverse experiences in a very welcoming environment. Faculty are approachable and collaborative. The structure of learning encourages increasing autonomy and ample opportunity to develop a personalized clinical style, without forfeiting access to attendings’ support and guidance. It is very apparent that each fellow is valued as an individual, and the program is personalized to prepare trainees for their distinct career goals.”

— Jonathan Pentz, MD, First year fellow, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

“This program has everything I was looking for in a fellowship. There is supportive faculty, a diverse range of clinical experiences, an emphasis on fellow education and well-being. The attendings are all approachable and I never have to second-guess asking for help. I feel like my input and skills are truly valued while my education and growth always take priority. It is the perfect blend of autonomy, support, quality education and work-life balance. I cannot recommend this program enough.”

— Kristen Cannon, MD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow

“The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Akron Children’s does an incredible job preparing their fellows to be confident, knowledgeable, and proficient attendings. This program offers many diverse experiences and growth opportunities while doing a great job of fostering individual career interests and aspirations. Additionally, Akron Children’s prioritizes fellow well-being. I would choose this program again in a heartbeat!”

— Leilani Mahi, MD, Leilani Mahi, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow

What we offer:

  • Ability to create your own individualized education
  • Positive, nurturing and supportive environment
  • Food stipend
  • Free Gym membership
  • Dedicated faculty
  • Mentorship
  • Rich, diverse rotations in Akron Children’s and in the surrounding community
  • Strong didactics
  • Resources for board preparation
  • Manageable work load and hands on experience
  • Reasonable call schedule (1 weekend/month, 3 holiday day/2 yr. fixed)
  • Cross training with developmental pediatricians, child neuropsychologists
  • All special trainings in:
    • Partial Hospitalization Program which is for 12-18 year olds
    • Eating Disorder Clinic
    • Gender Affirming Clinic
    • Telepsychiatry
    • Integrated Care Program working with pediatricians

Meet our faculty.

For more information, contact:

 

Sumru Bilge-Johnson, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Director
Lois and John Orr Behavioral Health Center
Department of Pediatric Psychiatry and Psychology
Phone: 330-543-4382
Email: sbilge-johnson@akronchildrens.org


Michelle Burgner
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Coordinator
mburgner@akronchildrens.org

 

Michael Redovian, MD
Associate Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship 
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
mredovian@akronchildrens.org

You must meet the following criteria to apply for our pediatric psychiatry fellowship program:

  • MD or DO degree
  • Passed all 3 USLME/COMLEX steps within 10 years and provide a complete score report
  • Completion of 3 years of ACGME-accredited training in general psychiatry
  • Ohio medical license and DEA number
  • Evidence of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or J-1 Visa
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Letter of recommendation from current program director

How to Apply

To apply for our fellowship program, you must submit your application through the Electronic Residency Application system (ERAS). 

For more information, contact:
 

Sumru Bilge-Johnson, MD
Program Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Considine Professional Building
Lois & John Orr Behavioral Health Center
215 W . Bowery St
Akron, OH 44308

sbilge-johnson@akronchildrens.org
330-543-4382

Michelle Burgner
Program Coordinator, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Considine Professional Building
Lois & John Orr Behavioral Health Center
215 W . Bowery St
Akron, OH 44308

Mburgner@akronchildrens.org
330-543-8596

First Year Clinical Rotation Schedule

1 month

Adolescent Medicine (80%)
Didactics (10%)

3 months Consultation Liaison (80%)
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (10%)
Didactics (10%)
3 months Partial Hospitalization Program (80%)
Didactics (10%)
 
5 months Inpatient (80%)
Pediatric Outpatient (10%)
Didactics (10%)
 
9 months Outpatient (10%)
 

The first year of our program focuses on building a foundation of knowledge and skills in pediatric psychiatry. You'll learn how to identify psychiatric syndromes and formulate a treatment plan in inpatient, outpatient, C/L settings. Throughout the year, an attending faculty member will guide you in the development of a diagnosis and treatment plan for your patients. 

Second Year Clinical Rotation Schedule

12 months Community Child Psychiatry (CGFS) (40%)
Didactics (10%)
12 months Akron Children's Child Psychiatry OP Clinic (20%)
 
2 months Child Neurology (20%)
 
2 months Developmental Pediatrics & School Success Program; Autism Clinic (20%)
 
2 months Summit County Juvenile Court (10%)
 
12 months Electives
Hannah Perkins, Eating disorder, Sleep Disorders,
Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Pain, Pediatric Rheumatology (10%)       
 
2 months CARE Center - Child Abuse (10%)
 
6 months School (10%)
 
1 month Neuropsychology (10%)
 
6 months Project (10%)

 

During the second year of training, we focus on systems of care in community agencies and increasing knowledge and skills in outpatient child psychiatry. Rotations will emphasize clinical, consultative and leadership skills in various community environments (Child Guidance and Family Solutions, Community Health Center for substance abuse, School systems, Children’s Services, Juvenile court). Our goal is to identify the role that community-based child psychiatrists play in addressing the needs of children and teens who have been diagnosed with mental illness.[BS1] 

As a second-year fellow, you'll assume greater responsibility for the care of your patients. You'll also gain knowledge in areas such as neurological and other organic disorders, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, learning disorders, all major classes of DSM-5 conditions, psychosomatic disorders, behavioral and adjustment problems, and acute crises leading to psychiatric presentation. During the second year, all fellows are required to have a scholarly research activity and present at Post-Graduate Poster Day.

Working with a multidisciplinary team, you'll hone your skills in:

  • Long-term and time-limited psychotherapy
  • Play therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy

Electives

Pediatric Eating Disorder Rotation

An Eating Disorder outpatient program at Akron Children’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic

Pediatric Sleep Clinic An elective to learn sleep disorders, treatment at Akron Children's
Pediatric Pain Clinic An elective to learn pain disorders and treatment at Akron Children's
Pediatric Gender Affirming Clinic An elective to learn about LGBTQ population, diagnoses, treatment working with multidisciplinary team
Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic

An elective to learn pediatric rheumatology disorders, diagnoses, treatment and mental health comorbidities

 

Didactics

Weekly didactics are an integral part of our fellowship program. Specific topics and conferences cover topics such as:

Administrative psychiatry Cognitive/behavioral therapy
Psychodynamic therapy Family therapy
Group therapy Art therapy
Systems of care Adult and child boards review
Evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders Child development
Forensic child psychiatry School consultation
Substance abuse disorders Clinical case conference
Neuroscience curriculum Journal club
Peer review Practice habits
Medical ethics  

*Fellowship Stipends 2024-25

PL-4 – $71,443

PL-5 – $72,871

PL-6 -- $74,329

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Stipends

PL-1 – $63,384

PL-2 – $64,652

Optometry Fellowship Stipend

PL-1 - $63,384

Vacation

House officers are granted 3 weeks of vacation or 15 customary working days.

Conference Time

Fellows are entitled to 5 days of conference time each year for medical conventions and courses outside the hospital.

Educational Allowance

Fellows are provided $1,500 annually for use toward medical-related journals or books, conferences, and license renewals.

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*This information may differ by fellowship. Please check with the director for specifics.

Research and Scholarship Travel

We encourage and support investigator-initiated research by subspecialty fellows. Therefore, we support research-related travel when the fellow is in good academic and professional standing, and when prior written approval of the program director is documented. Fellows can apply for the Considine Scientific Dissemination Award, which supports scholarly activity by offsetting the costs associated with the presentation and publication of scientific work by trainees. All hospital policies relating to travel must be followed.

Professional Liability

Professional liability insurance is provided by the hospital.

Health Benefits

Fellows and their dependents are eligible to enroll in the hospital’s health, dental, and vision insurance programs. Costs are shared between the fellow and the hospital. Benefits are available immediately.

Retirement Benefits

Fellows may participate in the Hospital’s 403(b) Plan from their date of hire. Match dollars are not available to fellows.

Medical License & DEA

Fellows are required to obtain an Ohio State Medical License and DEA certificate prior to beginning training.

Parking

A key access card for convenient parking is provided at no charge.

Lab Coats

One embroidered lab coat is provided if desired.

Meals

Fellows are given $60 every week for use in the hospital cafeteria.

Relocation expenses

The hospital provides reimbursement for initial relocation expenses, up to $1,000, subject to current tax laws.

Smoke, Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco-Free Campus

Akron Children’s is a tobacco-free healthcare system. Prospective employees who test positive for nicotine will have their offer of employment rescinded and will not be permitted to start work.

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