The Department of Pediatrics offers a unique three-year Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program accepts one fellow each year, and pediatric residents with an interest in developmental behavioral are encouraged to apply.
Why Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics?
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is a vital subspecialty in the care of children with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Developmental behavioral conditions are very common, affecting at least 15% of children. However, there are not enough specialists equipped to serve these patients and their families.
- The average wait time to see a developmental-behavioral pediatrician is 18.7 weeks, second only to Genetics at 20.8 weeks, according to data published by the Children’s Hospital Association.
- In 2018, 47% of children’s hospitals reported having at least one vacancy in developmental-behavioral pediatrics for a period of greater than one year.
- When asked to rank the top three specialties that impacted their ability to provide care, children’s hospitals ranked developmental-behavioral pediatrics highest.
The University of Missouri School of Medicine in collaboration with The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders are uniquely positioned to help address the national shortage of fellowship-trained developmental-behavioral pediatricians while improving access and enhancing care for children in our area. The Thompson Center is a national leader in patient care, research, and training related to neurodevelopmental disorders and is well-equipped to train the future medical leaders in this field.
Curriculum
Fellows will gain experience and grow their expertise through a variety of specialized clinics, including: Autism diagnostics, Down Syndrome, Craniofacial, 22q, NICU Follow-up, Spina bifida, Cerebral palsy, ADHD, and more.
In addition to the wide variety of clinical opportunities, fellows will participate in regular conferences and didactics, and will be active participants in educating medical students and residents. Examples of the conferences and didactics include: Autism case conference, Thompson Center medical team meetings, Pediatrics Grand Rounds, Pediatrics problem conference, LEND conference, Developmental Pediatrics Didactic Series, Neuropsychology Didactic series, and Journal Club.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Our program does not have a supplemental application. We participate in the Match via NRMP and observe their deadlines and policies.
