Clinical Scientest vs. Scientist Practitioner

[cykolojee]

Hi all,

I'm currently compiling a list of potential programs/professors of interest and am a bit unsure how to view programs' self-descriptions (i.e., whether they call themselves "clinical scientist" or "scientist-practitioner" programs). I understand the difference between the two -- CS focuses more on research training, SP balances clinical and research training. My interests/career goals are largely geared towards research (albeit highly applied research); however, several faculty members whose interests match mine are at scientist-practitioner programs.

So, my questions: I'll probably apply to a number of self-proclaimed scientist-practitioner programs (due to faculty matches), even though I hope to focus on research. Will SP programs be concerned by my lesser interest in pursuing clinical work, compared to clinical research? Will a personal statement that talks mostly about research seem incongruous with these programs' missions?

Thanks! 🙂

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[cara susanna]

I don't really think you should be concerned if research is still your primary goal at scientist-practitioner programs.

 

[futureapppsy2]

In general, no--most scientist-practitioner programs expect a heavy focus on research in their applicants. However, in terms of choosing a program and mentor, scientist-practitioner programs and faculty can encompass a wide range of foci from more clinically focused to actually balanced to more research-focused. This can even vary by faculty in the same program. That said, most scientist-practitioner programs can probably prepare you for a research career if you are willing to do the requisite work, advocacy, and networking in terms of spear-heading projects and publications.

 

[ClinApp]

Somewhat related question - if you attend a clinical scientist program, would it be better to describe it as scientist-practitioner? I have seen almost no internship sites so far describe themselves as clinical science programs (maybe only Western Psych, in the ones I have reviewed to date), even some of the research-heavy sites describe themselves as scientist-practitioner. I prefer the clinical science approach (and my program is an official member of the association), but I don't want to handicap myself somehow at less research-focused sites. Will this work against me? Any thoughts about how others have navigated this?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Somewhat related question - if you attend a clinical scientist program, would it be better to describe it as scientist-practitioner? I have seen almost no internship sites so far describe themselves as clinical science programs (maybe only Western Psych, in the ones I have reviewed to date), even some of the research-heavy sites describe themselves as scientist-practitioner. I prefer the clinical science approach (and my program is an official member of the association), but I don't want to handicap myself somehow at less research-focused sites. Will this work against me? Any thoughts about how others have navigated this?

Call it whatever it is acred. as by the APA. Show productivity, success in securing external funding, get enough clinical hours...and you'll be fine.

 

[ventstri]

Somewhat related question - if you attend a clinical scientist program, would it be better to describe it as scientist-practitioner? I have seen almost no internship sites so far describe themselves as clinical science programs (maybe only Western Psych, in the ones I have reviewed to date), even some of the research-heavy sites describe themselves as scientist-practitioner. I prefer the clinical science approach (and my program is an official member of the association), but I don't want to handicap myself somehow at less research-focused sites. Will this work against me? Any thoughts about how others have navigated this?

Actually, many of the most competitive internships in the country are members of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, and describe themselves as clinical science programs:

Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology
Brown University Medical School Consortium
University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry
Palo Alto VA Center
Medical University of South Carolina
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
VA Maryland Health Care System /University of Maryland Internship Consortium
University of Washington School of Medicine
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine


(info from the APCS site: http://acadpsychclinicalscience.org/index.php?page=members)

 

[erg923]

That has got to be the WORST looking website for a professional organization that I've ever seen! And for goodness sake, somebody keep it up to date. The last news update is from 2005

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Actually, many of the most competitive internships in the country are members of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, and describe themselves as clinical science programs:

Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology
Brown University Medical School Consortium
University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry
Palo Alto VA Center
Medical University of South Carolina
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
VA Maryland Health Care System /University of Maryland Internship Consortium
University of Washington School of Medicine
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine


(info from the APCS site: http://acadpsychclinicalscience.org/index.php?page=members)

Perhaps there is some confusion/discrepancy regarding the overall program's orientation as a whole, and the focus of the internship year in particular.

I know, for example, that both Brown and MUSC/Charleston Consortium are obviously very research-friendly. They offer protected research time and the opportunity to work with research preceptors during the internship year. However, both programs also state (on websites and during interviews) that during the internship year specifically, the majority of your time will be spent in clinical work (although this clinical work may be linked to research projects). Makes sense, given that the internship year is dictated by the APA to be predominanly clinically-focused.

Thus, maybe some of these programs describe their internships as scientist-practitioner in orientation, while their grad programs and fellowships are much more aligned with clinical science models.

 

[cara susanna]

A lot of the programs on their website's list are actually scientist-practitioner. University of Nevada Reno, for instance.

 

[ventstri]

A lot of the programs on their website's list are actually scientist-practitioner. University of Nevada Reno, for instance.

UN-Reno describes itself as a clinical science program:
http://www.unr.edu/PSYCH/clinical/clin_prog_description.htm

 

[cara susanna]

Oh, really? That's interesting.