Thursday, December 15, 2011

Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA - 1 residency position (clinical neuropsychology)

Postdoctoral Psychology Residency in Clinical Neuropsychology (APA Accredited) Minneapolis VA Health Care System Training Model and Philosophy: This two-year newly APA Accredited post-doctoral training experience in Clinical Neuropsychology embraces the Houston Conference Guidelines for specialization in clinical neuropsychology in support of the resident’s eligibility for board-certification in clinical neuropsychology. Consistent with the Houston Conference Guidelines, the program embraces a scientific-practioner model of training, and endorses the view that good clinical practice is based on the science of psychology. In turn, the science of psychology is influenced by the experience of working with real patients. As a consequence, our approach to training encourages clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with the current state of scientific knowledge.

Training Setting: The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is a large, modern, teaching facility – a Flagship Veterans Affairs Medical Center with multiple specialized programs (e.g. Research Centers, TBI Program, Polytrauma Center, etc.) and strong affiliation with the University of Minnesota. Supervision & Evaluation: As Director of the residency, Greg Lamberty, Ph.D., ABPP-CN will serve as a primary supervisor and mentor for the resident. Sandra Lundgren, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Christie Clason, Ph.D., and Anita Sim, Ph.D., ABPP-CN may also serve as supervisors throughout the course of the residency to augment the resident’s interests in specific clinical populations. At least two hours of formal supervision will be provided by a primary supervisor each week to discuss strategies of assessment and case formulation, report writing and revision, to establish appropriate treatment recommendations, and also to discuss issues that pertain to professional development. Formal evaluations are completed each trimester to track overall development throughout the residency. Residents will also provide supervision to neuropsychological practicum students and psychology interns.

Clinical Activities: The resident will conduct neuropsychological evaluation of patients presenting with diverse cognitive, psychological, and behavioral dysfunction associated with various neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Training opportunities are available within the following settings: Mental Health Service Line (MHSL) – The MHSL provides outpatient and inpatient neuropsychological consultation services for a wide-range of referral sources, including neurology, psychiatry, physiatry, primary care, social work, and various other entities throughout the VA system. Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) – The Minneapolis VAMC GRECC is one of several national centers that provide unique integration of clinical services and research outcome data among aging veterans. The GRECC conducts ongoing research related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and information collected as part of routine clinical evaluations is entered into a database for ongoing research. Polytrauma Center – Evaluations are conducted with both veterans and active duty service members who are undergoing comprehensive acute inpatient rehabilitation for known/suspected brain injury in addition to other musculoskeletal and organ system trauma(s). Geropsychiatry– The Geropsychiatry Team provides psychiatric and neuropsychological assessment to elderly veterans, ages 65 and older. There is opportunity to conduct comprehensive neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations of outpatients and to provide inpatient consultation. Spinal Cord Injury & Disorder Center (SCI/D) – The SCI/D provides a full range of clinical services for veterans with spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barre, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), ventilator needs, and co-morbid traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychological assessment with inpatients and outpatients is necessary to assist with rehabilitation and discharge planning and cognitive rehabilitation.

Research Activities: The resident will participate in research and/or other scholarly academic activity related to neuropsychology either through collaboration with ongoing research programs or through independent research projects approved by the program supervisor, mentors, and training committee. This project should culminate in the submission of such work for professional presentation or publication. Didactics/Educational Enrichment: The resident will have opportunity to participate in various didactic and educational seminars at Minneapolis VAMC and University of Minnesota that will complement clinical and research activities, and support development as a board-eligible clinical neuropsychologist. Didactics include Psychiatry Rounds, Neurology Rounds, Neuropsychology Case Conference, Brain Cutting, Neuroanatomy Course, and 'Brown Bag' meetings that allow for informal discussion among trainees and staff on various topics relevant to the practice of psychology.. Training staff: Currently, 58 doctoral staff psychologists represent diverse theoretical orientations, clinical specialties, and interests, and typically hold academic appointments at the University of Minnesota. The staff is highly committed to science and values training and trainees. Start Date: August, 2012 Stipend: $42,818 Benefits: Health Insurance, 13 days paid vacation, up to 13 days of sick leave, Authorized Leave for conference attendance and other professional activities. The Community: The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is set in the beautiful twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, a recreational paradise, with magnificent lakes and parks, hiking, biking and cross country skiing trails, the Mall of America, the world-renowned Guthrie Theater, Walker Art center, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, a strong contemporary music scene, and ready access to camping, fishing, and the great outdoors.

For a more detailed description of neuropsychology training opportunities and instruction to apply contact Neuropsychology Training Director, Greg Lamberty, Ph.D., ABPP-CN at Gregory.Lamberty@va.gov or 612.467.7586 or overall Psychology Training Director, Wayne G. Siegel, Ph.D., ABPP-CP at Wayne.Siegel@va.gov or 612.467.4024. Additional information including application instructions can be found on our website: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/education/psychology/post_setting.asp Wayne Wayne G. Siegel, Ph.D., ABPP Licensed Psychologist Board Certified in Clinical Psychology Director of Training/ Psychology Supervisor Minneapolis VA Medical Center 612.467.4024 wayne.siegel@va.gov http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/education/psychology/psyc_home.asp