Child Psychiatry Statement:
The goal of the UVMMC Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program is to provide comprehensive training using the Vermont Family-Based Approach (VFBA), a unique method of delivery focuses on the entire family, and utilizes evidence-based interventions in health promotion. While fellows work in a largely university-based setting in a small/rural community, we also have close partnerships with community-based systems. There is a strong emphasis on public health and graduates of the program will have a keen understanding on how emotional and behavioral health are central in overall health. Fellows work in a team setting in delivery of care that includes Wellness Coaches, Focused Family Coaches (therapists), Family-Based Psychiatrists, and providers in the community. This approach is utilized in a variety of settings, including acute inpatient, outpatient, and through consultative work in the hospital and community. Fellows have to opportunity to work within systems that have resources ranging from quite limited to abundant, and to determine how to effectively utilize them. Opportunities for advocacy, leadership, quality improvement, teaching, and research are plentiful and the small size of our state allows for potential interaction with state policy makers. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of settings and have gone on to work in academic, community-based, private practice, and consultative roles, in addition to developing programs in other locations. The residency program strives to attract fellows from diverse backgrounds to provide culturally competent care as well as to effectively advocate and support those who may be underrepresented or marginalized.