Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship
The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship Program offers extensive training to treat and research childhood developmental and behavioral conditions.
A Message From the Program Director
Welcome to the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship Program.
Our fellows dedicate two years to clinical training and one year to scholarly research. Clinical training includes a foundation in early childhood evaluation and management, followed by neurodevelopmental support for older children and adolescents, and time pursuing individual interests.
Our program incorporates interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to work closely with psychologists, social workers, occupational and developmental therapists, speech-language pathologists and other health care professionals.
Fellows will also design and implement a research project of their choosing. They’ll have opportunities to present their findings at national conferences.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Jennifer Heithaus, M.D.
Program director
Program Overview
The three-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited developmental-behavioral pediatric fellowship offers interdisciplinary clinical training, mentored research, and a didactic schedule with specialized clinical board preparation.
Fellows train at the following sites:
- Year 1 Focus: evaluation and initial management of children ages 0-5, with exposure to community resources and therapies
- Year 2 Focus: continued management of developmental-behavioral disorders, including ADHD and learning disorders in older children
- Year 3 Focus: mastery of skills with dedicated time to pursue electives of interest
- Continuity Clinic (Weekly Half-Day Sessions): serve as the primary provider for a personal patient panel with attending guidance
- Call Responsibilities: evening and weekend phone coverage in the second half of the first year, averaging one week per month with attending backup
- Dedicated Research Time: one full year (distributed over three years) to design, implement and publish a research project
- Research Mentorship and Funding: selected research mentor, research workshops and training, and opportunities for intramural grant funding
- Weekly Didactics: alternating sessions between the Introduction to Academic Medicine (IAM) course and specialized Developmental-Behavioral series
- Board Certification Preparation: an 18-month didactic cycle that covers all board-relevant material twice throughout the duration of the fellowship
- Academic Programming: regular participation in departmental Grand Rounds, biweekly Research Colloquium, monthly Journal Club and more
Program Highlights
- Graduated clinical responsibilities
- Flexible, customized curriculum
- Comprehensive board preparation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Protected time for mentored research
- On call one week per month on evenings/weekends
Apply
There is one fellowship position available every three years.
The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
Review the Application Process
About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program
SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.