The Innovative Methods in Pathogenesis and Child Treatment (IMPACT) child and adolescent psychiatry research program is based at Western Psychiatric Hospital (WPH) within the Department of Psychiatry and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine—one of the most successful medical centers in the United States. WPH is considered a world leader in research and treatment of mental health disorders. The Department of Psychiatry has over 190 funded projects totaling more than 85 million dollars.
IMPACT is distinctive in providing research training that spans and integrates 3 major areas: 1) pathogenesis and clinical neuroscience; 2) developmental longitudinal perspectives; and 3) treatment evaluation and dissemination/implementation. Mentorship is provided by multidisciplinary faculty teams.
The program offers two fellowship tracks:
- Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Two-year post-doctoral fellowships available for trainees with a PhD; MD; DO; MD, PhD, or other combination of doctoral degrees
- Pre-Doctoral Fellowships: Eight-week pre-doctoral fellowships available for students currently enrolled in medical school
Both fellowships match trainees with experienced, dedicated mentors conducting cutting-edge research in a broad range of disorders. Individuals seeking to conduct innovative, meaningful research that improves the outcomes of child mental health disorders are encouraged to apply.
The University of Pittsburgh offers tremendous resources and support in a thriving research environment. In 2023, the University of Pittsburgh was announced as the third-highest recipient of NIH funding, improving from a rank of 11th in the previous year.
Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh offers guidance, support, and resources through
- the Office of Academic Career Development (OAC)
- the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association (UPPDA), assisting post-docs across the university’s health sciences community in developing their careers as academic scholars.
- the Office of Academic Career Development | University of Pittsburgh (OACD), The Office of Academic Career Development is dedicated to providing professionals in the schools of the health sciences with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their full potential as leaders in biomedical research, education, and clinical practice. The OACD supports graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows, and faculty, potentiating career excellence at all levels.