Neuropsychological assessment, consultation and intervention in pediatric oncology, sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDS constitute the clinical experience. These clinical populations present with a wide-range of cognitive difficulties (related to primary diagnosis and/or treatment) including problems in the areas of attention, executive functioning, memory, visuospatial reasoning, sensory/motor functioning and psychosocial adjustment that afford fellows with broad-based training. Minor placements are available at neighboring hospitals for individuals interested in typical learning disability/ADHD, adult or forensic assessments. To foster a developmental lifespan perspective, training in adult and geriatric neuropsychology is integrated into the didactic curriculum. Research focus is on the cognitive sequelae of childhood cancer (birth through young adulthood). Current research opportunities exist in the areas of neurocognition, neuroimaging, genetic risk/resiliency and pharmacological or cognitive interventions.
St. Jude is an internationally recognized leader in research for children with catastrophic illness, including cancer, sickle cell disease/stroke, HIV/AIDS and genetic disorders. For the sixth consecutive year, St. Jude was named as one of the top institutions (second among U.S. institutions) in the Best Places to Work in Academia. Collaborations with neuro-oncology, hematology, diagnostic imaging, infectious disease, pain service, bone marrow transplant, school program, rehabilitation, speech, social work, child life and chaplain services are strong. Didactic opportunities include seminars in neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, medical psychology and clinical psychology; rounds in psychology, hematology, oncology and neuroradiology; multidisciplinary seminars; staff meetings; conferences; supervision and observation of biomedical and neuroimaging procedures.
The Department of Psychology includes: 8 faculty psychologists (2 neuropsychologists), 5 staff psychologists (1 neuropsychologist), 4-6 pediatric psychology fellows, 1-2 neuropsychology fellows, 10 clinical research associates and 3 psychological examiners. Research initiatives in the Department include: neurocognitive effects and cognitive remediation of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease; psychosocial and complementary interventions for distress reduction, coping and adaptive style, and health promotion in children with cancer, sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDs. The focus of research in the Department is on discovering mechanisms of brain damage and cognitive rehabilitation with the goal of better defining the neurobiological, cognitive and social consequences of childhood brain damage as well as evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral interventions designed to improve patients' quality of life. Details of research at SJCRH are available online at: www.stjude.org/sci-rpt
Heather M. Conklin, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Associate Member, Department of Psychology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 740
Memphis, TN 38105-2794
Phone: 901-595-3585
FAX: 901-595-4701
heather.conklin@stjude.org
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Associate Member, Department of Psychology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 740
Memphis, TN 38105-2794
Phone: 901-595-3585
FAX: 901-595-4701
heather.conklin@stjude.org