Division of Developmental Medicine

Weekly seminars specifically geared to trainees in pediatrics and psychology address topics in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, behavioral neurology, child psychiatry, educational methodology for teaching, research methodology and professional development.  Specific seminars in the Division address topics such as professional development, substance abuse, educational skills and advocacy.   Optional additional coursework at the Harvard School of Public Health during the second and third year of training may provide fellows with preparation for research projects and culminates in a Master’s of Public Health.  For those applicants who already have completed an MPH program, alternative research and educational experiences are available.

Developmental Medicine Seminar:This comprehensive weekly seminar follows a rotating two year curriculum covering topics selected in accordance with the DBP content specifications for the board examination. The course covers developmental theories and normal development, attentional and learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, language disorders, cognitive impairment, toileting and sleep problems, basic principles of psychological and neurodevelopmental assessment, identifying pediatric mental health concerns, providing feedback to families, diagnostic coding and billing, and writing clinical reports.  Additional topics include psychopharmacology, behavioral management, behavioral therapies for children with developmental disabilities, language and literacy, genetic syndromes, metabolic disorders, chronic illness, family functioning, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, sensory impairments, feeding problems, toxic exposures and outcomes, dental health, normal sexual behavior, sexual and physical abuse, substance use and abuse, special education law, and advocacy. The seminar includes 1-2 field trips per year where fellows visit community agencies, specialized schools or other clinical programs.

Principles of Behavioral Neurology for DBP: This weekly course covers topics such as development of the central nervous system; pediatric imaging of the central nervous system; key concepts in behavioral neurology; neuroscience for the clinician; and key diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in patients with epilepsy. It is taught by the Director of the Residency Training Program in Neurology.

Principles of Psychiatry for DBP: This weekly psychiatry skills seminar provides fellows with technical supervision for acquiring clinical skills critical in DBP practice, such as diagnostic interviewing, generating differential diagnosis, and parent/child guidance training. The course also includes training in identification and treatment of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma, suicidality, character pathology, disruptive behavior and conduct disorders.  Fellows learn about therapeutic modalities including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychopharmacology. It is taught by the previous Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program.

Substance Abuse Seminar: This quarterly seminar focuses on interdisciplinary discussions of substance abuse including epidemiology; screening, assessment and interventions; and outcomes. The interaction of genes and environment as well as contextual considerations in treatment are also discussed.

Teaching Skills Seminar: This seminar provides an introduction to adult learning theory and guidance on specific skills development in lecture development and presentation, facilitation of case discussion, one-to-one clinical teaching, curriculum development, development of a teaching portfolio and evaluation techniques such as giving feedback to trainees. Faculty and professional development is provided as fellows are guided to maintain a teaching log and to develop a teaching portfolio compatible with the Clinician-Educator academic track at Harvard Medical School.

Professional Development seminar: This seminar provides fellows with practical skills for managing professional careers especially in academics. Topics include professionalism, setting goals, time management, organizational skills, career-family balance, developing effective curriculum vitae, and job interviewing skills.

Quality Improvement Curriculum: Beginning in the second year, fellows will become active participants in the Division’s robust Quality and Performance Program, which oversees all quality improvement activities. Fellows attend team leadership meetings and QI seminars, develop quality metrics for clinical outcomes and processes, review data for ongoing projects, and propose, implement, and present their own mentored QI project. Emphasis is on developing solid working knowledge of QI principles and strategies for rigorous and effective implementation.