Ranking child psych programs

[CAP1228]

I've applied to child-adol programs this year and am deciding how to rank Yale New Haven, Stanford and Cambridge Health Alliance vs Boston Children's. While I like to be in academic settings and am currently training at an academic setting that also is strong clinically, I know that in the future I do not want to be a researcher nor am I wanting to practice full-time in academia. However, for fellowship, I would like to be part of a larger medical system. In the future, I want to have a private practice with outpatient consults from other medical professionals and sources within the community. I also will want to work with schools and media to promote mental health issues/wellness.

I got the best vibe from CHA with regard to overall warmth and well-roundedness of the program though I know it's heaver in psychotherapy than the others), but wonder how its emphasis on the community may or may not influence my future practice options. And, I also wonder how much brand-name recognition matters with regard to private practice or referrals--for instance, would many people outside of psychiatry or medicine not recognize CHA?

Anybody with any input or insight would be greatly appreciated !

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[twright]

They all have great brands. If your goal is private practice then you can't go wrong with any of them. More important for your networking and consults etc is whether you stick around in the same area as your residency/fellowship for practice. It's just easier to network if you've spent the past 4-6 years in the same city and have already gotten to many of the practitioners in the community.

 

[CAP1228]

Okay, thanks for that perspective!

 

[masterofmonkeys]

Pretty sure anyone who knows anything about psych knows about CHA. Besides, are they not Harvard/Cambridge?

CHA was one of two programs I wish I'd ranked a lot higher than I ended up doing. And I would've applied there for child if I hadn't been geographically mandated to go to the southeast.

 

[CAP1228]

Thanks, masterofmonkeys. Aside from geographic restrictions, why did you not rank it higher at the time and why do you wish you had ranked it higher, retrospectively?

And, does anyone have any particular thoughts on Yale? I understand the rich history of the Child Study Center and research, but when I interviewed there there didn't seem to be many specific reasons fellows chose Yale other than it being "Yale" (and of course they're strong in many areas of study, but amongst many great child programs that is not in and of itself particularly unique, unless I'm missing something). I was wondering what it is I'm missing or not seeing about the program b/c so may others are quite impressed by it...

 

[SmallBird]

Thanks, masterofmonkeys. Aside from geographic restrictions, why did you not rank it higher at the time and why do you wish you had ranked it higher, retrospectively?

And, does anyone have any particular thoughts on Yale? I understand the rich history of the Child Study Center and research, but when I interviewed there there didn't seem to be many specific reasons fellows chose Yale other than it being "Yale" (and of course they're strong in many areas of study, but amongst many great child programs that is not in and of itself particularly unique, unless I'm missing something). I was wondering what it is I'm missing or not seeing about the program b/c so may others are quite impressed by it...

Because of geographical reasons I only applied and interviewed at MGH, Columbia/Cornell and Yale. I liked all three. I liked Yale best because I am very interested in ASD, and being in the adult program at Yale has helped me build a great network of supervisors in the department. Nevertheless I tried to be very open minded when interviewing, and I think the things that ultimately stood out for me at Yale were:

- The prospect of working with Dr Martin for 9 months on the inpatient unit. He is just an utterly awesome person, very smart, and a great teacher.
- The benefits seem amazing... The highest base salary of the three programs I interviewed at, plus $250 per call (and that's pager call, not in house). It makes a big difference.
- The opportunity of having a long term therapy case. This is particularly helpful in the northeast where outpatient child therapy is still very lucrative for psychiatrists.
- The sheer size of the department is pretty impressive. The child study center grand rounds has almost as many people as the adult department grand rounds. Along with that there are just so many people doing amazing clinical work and research in many different areas.
- I didn't get a feel that the department or program were too biological or too therapy oriented. The department is still full of analysts, but many of the younger faculty are extremely successful neuroscientists, and I think that all perspectives are valued.

When you mention the name brand, I would say that this is something one shouldn't underestimate (although it may be the same for a lot of 'big name' programs). Graduates from the CSC still have no trouble getting jobs in academic departments all over the country, including in desirable locations like UCSF. It helps that CSC grads and faculty are all over the place.

So those I my thoughts - I hope someone else will share theirs also!

 

[CAP1228]

Thanks for sharing that SmallBird! I know the CSC, and Yale in general, is an amazing place to learn, study and hearing the actual reasons you chose the program over other great ones is helpful. I have no doubt having any of those names gives you great connections all over. This is also why I've wanted to get others' perspectives before rank list!

And that's also what I'm curious about--while I'm certain at this point I want to do private practice, I'm concerned that if I should change my mind in the future, will I be restricted in some way that I'm not thinking of at this time? Or am I over-thinking and not giving CHA the credit it deserves?

 

[SmallBird]

And that's also what I'm curious about--while I'm certain at this point I want to do private practice, I'm concerned that if I should change my mind in the future, will I be restricted in some way that I'm not thinking of at this time? Or am I over-thinking and not giving CHA the credit it deserves?

I think that your concern is relevant, and that you are not over-thinking it. But, CHA has an amazing name, so I don't think any of your concerns actually apply. If you want an academic job, its going to matter more whether you have done any scholarship. I really think having gone to CHA doesn't close any doors at all.

 

[CAP1228]

Thanks SmallBird for that insight. You made mention about alumni helping out with jobs, which I very much agree with. It may be the case with CSC alums that you all end up in more academic (and by that I mean clinician-educators, not meaning complete research) positions vs CHA who may have the propensity of working in the community more so than faculty positions at a university--would that be fair to say and something to consider moving forward?

 

[SmallBird]

Thanks SmallBird for that insight. You made mention about alumni helping out with jobs, which I very much agree with. It may be the case with CSC alums that you all end up in more academic (and by that I mean clinician-educators, not meaning complete research) positions vs CHA who may have the propensity of working in the community more so than faculty positions at a university--would that be fair to say and something to consider moving forward?

I don't know, its a good question. I think you for clinician educator you likely have a substantial advantage at your own program, but my guess would still be that if you have a few publications and other ways of substantiating a commitment to this role you would be fine.

 

[CAP1228]

Okay, thank you--and everyone--for taking time to talk with me a bit about all this. It's really been helpful. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend, too!