Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology
(APPCN Program Code: 9942)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER TO APPLICANTS……… 3
OUR MISSION AND SETTING……… 4
Medical Intensive Care Unit………..……… 4
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit……… 5
Shepherd Pathways……… 6
Shaping Hope and Recovery Excellence (SHARE)……… 6
Supported Living………. 6
Transitional Support Program………. 7
Metropolitan Atlanta……… 7
OUR TRAINING PROGRAM……… 8
Clinical Service Requirements……….………. 8
Research Involvement……… 9 Educational Opportunities………. 9 Clinical Rotations………...……….. 9 Supervision……….. 11 Graduation Criteria………...…. 12 Stipend………. 12
CORE FELLOWSHIP FACULTY……….. 12
APPLICATION PROCESS………. 14
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LETTER TO APPLICANTS
Dear Prospective Applicant:
We are pleased that you are considering submitting an application to our Postdoctoral Fellowship. Our program meets guidelines established by The Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) and follows the American Psychological Association Division 40 Guidelines for Postdoctoral Training in Clinical Neuropsychology. It provides the preparation needed for eventual certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology for Clinical Neuropsychology.
We have two Neuropsychology fellowship positions at Shepherd Center, and we accept one Fellow each year. Our Fellows gain experience working with diverse clinical populations including closed and penetrating traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular disorder (stroke, aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation), neoplasm, epilepsy, anoxia, toxic exposure, and
infectious disease. Fellows have an opportunity to assess patients both in the acute and chronic phases of their neurologic conditions, using a wide range of neuropsychological tests and procedures. The training program is based in one of the premier rehabilitation facilities in the United States. Fellows gain experience in both assessment and rehabilitation, and have ample opportunity to work with physiatrists; neurologists; speech, occupational, and physical therapists; and other allied health and rehabilitation professionals. Didactic experiences are provided and include seminars in neuropsychological diagnosis, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, neurological diagnosis, and other topics recommended by the Houston Conference Guidelines. We follow a scientist-practitioner model of training and provide wide-ranging opportunities for involvement in faculty research, as well as development of independent research projects. After you have read through this brochure, please feel free to contact us if you have further questions. We conduct interviews each year at the meetings of the National Academy of
Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society. We are also happy to have you interview in Atlanta. We look forward to receiving your application.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Hoskins, PsyD
Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology [email protected]
Teresa Ashman, PhD, ABPP
Director, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Co-Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology [email protected]
Stephen N. Macciocchi, Ph.D., ABPP
Former Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology Consulting Board Certified Neuropsychologist
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MISSION
The Shepherd Center Clinical Neuropsychology Fellowship provides postdoctoral training that conforms to guidelines promulgated by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology and the mission endorsed by the “Houston Conference on Specialty Education and Training in Clinical Neuropsychology.” Our two-year Fellowship program seeks to train and educate Fellows in competencies that are necessary for state licensure, specialty practice in clinical neuropsychology, and eventual board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology and/or Rehabilitation Psychology. Fellows function as members of the interdisciplinary treatment teams and provide assessment, treatment, and consultation services.
OUR SETTING
Shepherd Center is a 152-bed hospital dedicated to the neurorehabilitation of individuals with neuromedical problems. The typical patient age range is 16-80 (although patients from 14 to 90-years-old are not uncommon). Shepherd Center’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Programs are accredited by both the Joint Commission (formerly known as JCAHO) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation (CARF). Shepherd Center is also an SCI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Our facilities and programs are designed to address the needs of persons with a variety of rehabilitation needs across the continuum of care with particular emphasis on the needs of individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.
The ABI Program has over 125 professional and support staff and multiple programmatic components including the following facilities: Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Acute ABI Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, including the Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) and the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation programs; and Shepherd Pathways, that includes residential, day treatment, and outpatient programs. Additional programs include Spring Creek House, a free standing supported living program, and the Transition Support Program, a community-based program designed to facilitate, maintain, and insure access to community-based resources in order to facilitate post-treatment independence. Persons with brain injury also have access to numerous Shepherd Center support programs including education, information technology, telemedicine, assistive technology, recreational therapy (including evening and weekend
community activities), vocational therapy, seating clinic, and comprehensive driving evaluation. Although the Shepherd Center has been able to maintain a personal, family atmosphere, the services they provide are far-reaching. More than 8,000 patients are served annually.
Fellows will spend their first year at the ABI Inpatient Program. Each fellow will participate in three, four-month long rotations, supervised by faculty neuropsychologists.
MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Shepherd Center accepts persons for acute medical services in order to stabilize medical acuity and to prepare for acute inpatient rehabilitation. The Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a 10-bed service. Brain injury clinical admission criteria includes: 1) functional abilities scored at a Rancho Scale of I - IV, 2) injury of less than 1-year duration, and 3) life-threatening medical problems (e.g., seizures, infections, respiratory complications, extracranial trauma). Persons with cerebrovascular and other neurologic disorders are also admitted to address acute medical
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problems. Except for intracranial pressure monitoring, the ICU is capable of providing all primary and consultative medical services (i.e., neurosurgery, neurology, internal medicine, otolaryngology, urology, orthopedics). Persons accepted for treatment are typically admitted to the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Units following medical and neurological stabilization in the ICU. The Medical ICU at Shepherd allows Fellows the unique opportunity to begin working with an interdisciplinary team to assess and treat patients very early on in their recovery, and follow them throughout their rehabilitation.
ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI) INPATIENT PROGRAM
The Acquired Brain Injury Inpatient Program is comprised of two separate units (30 beds and 28 beds) dedicated to patients with diagnoses including traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injuries (e.g., anoxia, stroke), tumors, encephalitis, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as patients with dual diagnosis (ABI and SCI).
These state-of-the art units maintain patient safety with closed circuit cameras, bed alarms, specialized safety beds, and wanderguard monitoring system, all designed to meet the needs of people with ABI. Additionally, access to augmentative communication and assistive technology is available. Within the ABI Unit there are two rehabilitation programs that address varying levels of patient’s responsiveness and rehabilitation readiness.
The Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) Program is dedicated to persons who are in comatose states. Persons in the DOC program typically are not capable of actively participating in a demanding therapeutic program secondary to medical limitations or impaired consciousness. These individuals have a Rancho Level of I-III, or equivalent, and require considerable medical attention and nursing care. The DOC program medically manages patients’ nutritional, pharmacological, respiratory, and neuromuscular needs, providing the best possible environment for emergence from coma. Family education and training is a vital objective. Some persons are admitted to the DOC Program for brief comprehensive diagnostic examinations to establish home treatment recommendations, particularly when telemedicine monitoring indicates a change in functional or mental status. Given the special needs of this population, electric lifts and associated equipment are available to allow for ease of care. The average length of stay for persons in the DOC program is 3-5 weeks with extension as appropriate, with many patients emerging from coma and progressing into the Acute ABI Rehabilitation Program prior to discharge. The Fellow has a unique opportunity to work with individuals with disorders or
consciousness, measuring arousal and attention to the environment, monitoring mental status and cognition and assessing the patient’s rate of emergence and response to his or her environment. The interdisciplinary team works closely to facilitate the patient’s recovery by offering an individualized plan of care that balances medication management, therapies, environmental stimulation, and rest.
The Acute ABI Inpatient Rehabilitation Program admits persons who have a Rancho level IV-VIII, or equivalent, and are actively able to participate in at least three hours of rehabilitative therapy per day. The Acute ABI Inpatient Rehabilitation Program provides comprehensive interdisciplinary care including neurorehabilitation psychology, medical, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, therapeutic recreation, assistive technology, seating and bracing, and when appropriate, vocational therapy.
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There are nine dedicated therapy teams who deliver interdisciplinary care. The average length of stay is 4-6 weeks. Following discharge from the Acute ABI Inpatient
Rehabilitation program, persons with brain injury may be referred to one of several post-acute services available through the Shepherd Center Brain Injury System of Care. Upon admission to the Acute ABI Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, each patient is assigned to a specific rehabilitation carepath designed to facilitate treatment planning based upon initial injury type and severity, as well as ongoing functional progress. While all persons admitted for treatment have suffered significant injuries or neurologic
disorders, the treatment carepaths facilitate more specialized treatment plans by placing the patient into a mild, moderate, or severe carepath tract. Because the mechanism of injury frequently affects outcome and treatment needs, carepaths are further segmented into traumatic and nontraumatic tracts. During the initial evaluation, staff assess each patient’s Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scores and make projections regarding Length of Stay (LOS) and estimated FIM gains. All persons in the ABI program undergo carepath validation, updates, and FIM modifications take place during weekly
interdisciplinary team meetings. As progress is confirmed, treatment is modified and adapted to specific individualized needs that arise during hospitalization. Weekly charting on the carepaths is accomplished via computers and printed carepaths are available for patient/family review following team conferences. All factors critical for the patients’ successful discharge to home setting are reviewed on a regular basis.
Both the DOC and the Acute ABI Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs emphasize interdisciplinary care for both the person with a brain injury and their caregivers. Families receive education specific to their level of functioning and home care needs. All families participate in structured family education including formal neurorehabilitation psychology and medical conferences. In addition to ongoing education provided during hospitalization, families may also receive a pre-discharge day of intensive training and education that includes an opportunity to stay in a Transitional Living Apartment (TLA). The TLA is located in the ABI Inpatient unit and contains a full kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and accessible bathroom. An Adolescent Room also provides additional information resources, recreational activities and a private setting for adolescents and their families. All inpatients have personalized internet access for themselves and their families and comprehensive family education programs. A family counselor is also
available to provide both individual and group support for family members of inpatients.
ABI OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS
Post-acute services include a day and residential program, outpatient services, a care program that assesses long term needs of patients, a program for military members with mild TBI/PTSD (called the SHARE Military Initiative), and respite and long term care.
SHEPHERD PATHWAYS
During the second year of the fellowship, Fellows rotate to Shepherd Pathways for a year-long rotation. Shepherd Pathways is a facility in Decatur, Ga., and includes treatment rooms, two large therapy gyms, a computer lab, outdoor sports equipment, and putting green for recreational and leisure activities. Services fall under three types of programs: 1) a comprehensive community reentry day program, 2) a residential program, for
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patients ready to practice living in a more home-like setting but still need 24-hour support, and 3) outpatient services. In addition, Shepherd Pathways offers supported living services, such as short term respite care, which provides temporary support for caregivers of people with brain injury with lengths of stay ranging from 1-30 days. Shepherd Pathways has treatment teams with case managers, neuropsychologists, neuropsychology fellow, rehabilitation counselors, recreational therapists, registered nurses, a vocational specialist, and numerous life skills trainers. These individuals are capable of providing full-day, half-day and single-service outpatient services.
SHAPING HOPE AND RECOVERY EXCELLENCE (SHARE)
SHARE is a day treatment program designed to promote optimal recovery for injured service members. The primary goals of the program are to 1) provide a continuum of rehabilitation evaluation and treatment services for those who have sustained brain injury, spinal cord injury, or blast injury, 2) assist, support, and educate service members and their families during recovery, and 3) prepare them for life beyond the program’s rehabilitation treatments. Eligibility criteria includes any service member who has served or is serving in the current conflict (OIF/OEF), has functional difficulties due to diagnosed or suspected brain injury or spinal cord injury, and has a discharge plan.
SUPPORTED LIVING
Shepherd Center has a 24-hour fully supervised residence in a lovely neighborhood in Decatur, Georgia. This 4000 square foot home has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large kitchen, 2 living areas, and a private family sitting area. Spring Creek House is located close to vocational, parks and recreational opportunities. This program has a designated van that is fully accessible. Shepherd Center has a Life Coaching Program that provides diverse supervised care to people who may need assistance in their homes or apartments.
TRANSITION SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Transition Support Program (TSP) provides education, guidance, and support to patients and their families once they are discharged to home in order to improve health and safety outcomes, and to increase patient and family independence. The program assists patients with following through on discharge plans and home care instructions to prevent rehospitalization and develop patient-centered goals. The program also locates appropriate community resources and helps to empower patients and families to advocate for medical and wellness needs.
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA
With a population of approximately five and a half million, the Atlanta metropolitan area manages to be urban while retaining southern charm and hospitality. The city offers numerous entertainment and cultural attractions, boasting many museums, professional theater, symphony and ballet. Atlanta’s restaurants offer cuisine ranging in style and taste from “Southern Georgia” to “South of France.” Sports enthusiasts will find professional baseball, football, and basketball. It is a sprawling city with no natural boundaries; therefore, over 8000 square miles encompass what is known as Atlanta that includes 28 counties and 140 governing municipalities. This space allows for easy access to outdoor recreation, including golf, hiking, and canoeing. Lake Lanier lies 45 miles northeast, Lake Allatoona is 35 miles north, Callaway Gardens is 80 miles south, and the North Georgia Mountains, which include the southern end of the Appalachian Trial, are 70 miles
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north of Shepherd Center. The coastal beaches and islands of the Atlantic Gulf are within 4 to 6 hours driving time. Winter temperatures are mild, with a few dips below freezing during January or February. Snow is rare and short-lived. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Atlanta is the location of two medical schools and seven colleges and universities, including two with graduate programs in neuropsychology.
OUR TRAINING PROGRAM
Fellows are trained in assessment, intervention, consultation, teaching, supervision and research. Training in assessment emphasizes both neurobehavioral examinations and neuropsychological evaluations. Emphasis is placed on effective determination of relevant factors in the patient’s history, rationale for test selection, administration and scoring of tests, interpretation of results, and communication of findings in both oral and written formats. Fellows examine persons with acute neurologic disorders, as well as persons presenting with chronic residuals of neurologic disorders. Inpatient and outpatient assessments vary from neurobehavioral examinations to comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, depending upon the clinical rotation and supervisor. Supervision emphasizes integrated conceptualization of neuropsychological instruments, data, functional abilities, and biopsychosocial history. Each Fellow receives
supervision from multiple neuropsychologists and neurorehabilitation psychologists during each fellowship year.
Fellows also learn to establish specific intervention plans based on neuropsychological and biopsychosocial data obtained via clinical interview and assessment. Fellows implement and monitor the outcome of intervention plans. Interventions include behavior management plans in cases of acute neurologic disorders and more traditional psychotherapeutic and cognitive
interventions for persons with more chronic adjustment problems. Each fellow is expected to become competent in all aspects of intervention planning and implementation.
Fellows are trained in consultation to medical staff members, health care teams, families, administrative systems, and persons with neurologic disorders. They are integrally involved in clinical consultation in formal settings, such as medical rounds and team conferences. Fellows regularly provide consultative education to patients, families, case managers, and health care administrators.
Fellows have ongoing responsibility for research throughout the fellowship. They receive
supervision in research design, execution, monitoring, and evaluation. Each fellow is expected to complete a minimum of one research project acceptable for submission to an established
neuropsychological or rehabilitation psychological conference and/or journal.
Fellows supervise graduate students completing clinical practicum rotations under the direction of Program faculty. All fellows have the opportunity to formally teach in seminars and case conferences as part of fellowship didactics. Each fellow is expected to play a prominent part in coordinating educational programs within the fellowship.
CLINICAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Clinical service requirements vary depending upon the specific clinical rotation and supervisor. In general, fellows maintain a clinical case load consistent with APPCN and State of Georgia requirements for postdoctoral training necessary for licensure and board certification. Each
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year, fellows participate in a minimum of 60% clinical activity that includes assessment, intervention, and consultation duties.
Each fellow’s specific interests and training goals are considered while structuring rotations. All fellows complete rotations in inpatient and outpatient settings, with clinical responsibilities appropriate to the rotation. Collectively, fellows will have a balance of assessment, intervention, and consultation which reflects prototypic contemporary neuropsychological practice in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT
There are numerous research studies being conducted within the ABI and SCI programs, as well as the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Institute. Fellows are exposed to ongoing faculty research and are encouraged to develop a relationship with one or more research faculty. During the two-year fellowship, each fellow will build on Shepherd’s long and rich history of cutting edge clinical research by participating in an ongoing research study. Fellows are expected to develop an idea for an independent research project, typically an offshoot of an ongoing study, during the first year and to complete the project during the second year of the fellowship. Additionally, fellows have access to a preexisting patient registry for use in retrospective analysis. It is expected that fellows present the findings of their research project at a national or international conference and ultimately submit their project for publication.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Educational opportunities expand fellows’ existing knowledge base in neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and the neurosciences, and foster the Fellow’s development as a
neuropsychology scientist-practitioner. Through didactic and experiential training, the Fellow develops a strong understanding of brain-behavior relationships and furthers his or her knowledge in basic psychological principles, research methodology, psychometric issues, and general clinical psychology, as well as practice and professional issues. A variety of didactic training opportunities are available to the fellow including a weekly Neuropsychology Seminar, during which fellows regularly present cases and discuss relevant neuropsychological literature. In the summer following the first year of training, the Fellows will attend an intensive
neuroanatomy course (“Neuroanatomical Dissection: Human Brain and Spinal Cord”) at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Fellows will also attend other faculty seminars,
including a Professional Development Seminar and Grand Rounds, focusing on neuroanatomy, neurologic diagnosis, neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and neurotrauma. Didactic seminars with other local neuropsychology training programs are also available. In order to acclimate and prepare Fellows for the ABPP/ABCN exam, fellows will also take a practice written exam and participate in fact finding exercises.
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Primary rotations (Inpatient and Outpatient Neurorehabilitation) are required. Fellows may also select one or more secondary rotations during their second year, based on interest.
PRIMARY ROTATIONS
A. Inpatient ABI Rotation. Fellows participate in clinical, educational, and research
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of persons with cerebral trauma, stroke, tumors, aneurysmal rupture, and other
neurologic disorders. Fellows are exposed to a wide range of neuropathology and clinical syndromes seen in acute neurologic disorders. Fellows acquire skills and competencies in assessment, intervention, and consultation. Assessment competencies addressed during the rotation include test selection, administration, scoring and interpretation, report writing, and provision of feedback. Intervention competencies include formulation and execution of neurobehavioral treatment plans, individual and family therapy, and design and implementation of family and patient educational programs. Fellows also engage in consultation to physicians, staff, patients, and families regarding cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues. Research competencies addressed during the rotation include design and execution of clinical projects relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and outcome following ABI. Fellows participate in medical rounds, multi-disciplinary team conferences, and educational programs during the rotation. Fellows may gain experience in
supervision of graduate students and technical staff during the rotation.
B. Outpatient ABI Rotation. Fellows participate in clinical, educational and research
components of the outpatient program. Clinical training focuses on post-acute
rehabilitation of persons with a wide range of neurologic disorders. Fellows are exposed to chronic neuropsychological disorders and syndromes with the primary objective of developing a comprehensive understanding of the degree of cognitive and emotional function following ABI. During the rotation, fellows acquire competencies in assessment, intervention, and consultation. Assessment competencies are similar to those skills addressed during the inpatient rotation. However, rather than focusing on diagnosis and treatment planning, the emphasis of outpatient assessments is aimed towards disability determination, capacity to return to work, decision-making abilities, forensic medico-legal issues, and readiness for academic pursuits. Intervention competencies addressed during this rotation include individual and group psychotherapy, as well as design, execution, and monitoring of neurobehavioral plans. Fellows consult with rehabilitation team members and physicians, and provide education regarding cognitive, behavioral and emotional consequences of ABI. Additionally, they participate in medical rounds, multi-disciplinary team conferences, and educational programs during the rotation. They
participate in research efforts focused on rehabilitation and neuropsychological outcomes following ABI. Supervision and teaching of technical staff and graduate students is
expected during the second year outpatient rotation.
SECONDARY ROTATIONS
A. Multiple Sclerosis Rotation. Fellows participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Institute at
Shepherd Center through assessment, intervention, consultation, and research with individuals with MS. Fellows may also choose to participate in research and community programs provided by MS Center staff.
B. Pediatric Neuropsychology Rotation. Fellows gain experience in assessment of children
with various neurologic disorders. Fellows participate in programs provided by
Children’s Health Care of Atlanta including brain mapping and WADA testing of children referred for epilepsy surgery. Fellows may also participate in ongoing research.
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C. Military Neuropsychology Rotation. Fellows gain experience working with a military
population through the SHARE day treatment program for individuals who have served or are serving in the current conflict (OIF/OEF) and have functional difficulties due to diagnosed or suspected brain injury or spinal cord injury. In this context, the fellow provides individual and group treatment, neuropsychological testing, education for service members and their families, education for the treatment team, and behavioral interventions, as necessary.
D. Dual Diagnosis Rotation. Fellows have the unique opportunity to assess neurocognitive
and neurobehavioral functioning with individuals with dual ABI and SCI diagnoses. Fellows will experience the consultation model on both inpatient SCI units as well as the SCI Day Program. Fellows will follow some patients throughout their rehabilitation, as an integrated team member. For other cases, they will follow a consultation model,
providing neuropsychological consultation and education to the treatment teams.
E. Pain Psychology Rotation. Fellows participate in the Shepherd Pain Institute (SPI),
which offers pain management for individuals experiencing chronic pain problems in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. SPI takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the practice of medicine and specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and application of
interventional treatment for the management of pain and related disorders. In this context, the fellow provides individual and group treatment, neuropsychological testing, education for patient and their families, education for the treatment team, and behavioral interventions, as necessary.
F. Private Practice Rotation. Fellows gain experience in neuropsychological assessment
within a private practice setting.
SUPERVISION
All fellows are assigned a primary supervisor for each clinical rotation. Each week, the fellow will receive at least 2 hours of individual supervision, in addition to approximately 2 hours of group supervision obtained through clinical and didactic activities. Fellows will also have regular supervision with the Director of the Fellowship, weekly in the first year and bi-weekly in the second year. Additional informal supervision regularly occurs as the fellow manages the demands of clinical services. Styles and modes of supervision vary according to setting.
Videotapes, audiotapes, observation, and co-treatment are among some of the tools used to aid in supervision. The fellow receives supervision on case presentations, performance in team
meetings and seminars, consultative/supervisory work, writing skills, and overall professional conduct. Professional development, career planning, and interviewing skills are also addressed during supervisory sessions.
At the beginning of each rotation, fellows meet with their supervisors to discuss clinical
responsibilities and supervisor/fellow expectations. Fellows receive feedback on performance during weekly supervision sessions. At the conclusion of each rotation, fellows receive written feedback on their performance. Fellows also complete a written evaluation of their supervisors. If deficiencies are noted, the supervisor and fellow jointly develop a remediation plan for these deficiencies. Appeals regarding performance deficiencies must be submitted in writing and will
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only be considered by the Director of the Fellowship after appropriate attempts to resolve disagreements have been undertaken.
GRADUATION CRITERIA
Successful completion of the training program is reflected by the following accomplishments: 1. Fellow demonstrates clinical competencies defined in APPCN and Houston Conference
training guidelines.
2. Fellow demonstrates research competence by submission of a study or literature review for publication or presentation, or by submission of a grant proposal.
3. Fellow is eligible for licensure in the state/province in which (s)he intends to practice. 4. Fellow meets criteria for candidacy for board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology by
the American Board of Professional Psychology.
STIPEND
Stipends are based on the NIH-fellowship rates that calculate years of post graduate experience. Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance are available. Basic life and disability
insurance are provided. Fellows receive 4½ weeks of paid time off per year, including holidays.
CORE FELLOWSHIP FACULTY
Teresa Ashman, Ph.D., ABPP-RP, Director of Neurorehabilitation Psychology Department at
Shepherd Center, Co-Director of Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Ashman is board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Ashman has two decades of research experience on federally funded grants as PI or in senior leadership roles. She has published over fifty articles and chapters, largely in the area of traumatic brain injury and has presented extensively, nationally and internationally. Her primary fields of clinical and research expertise are in the area of brain injury, executive dysfunction, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders in individuals with neurological diseases.
Thomas Burns, Psy.D. ABPP-CN, Director of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
(CHOA). Dr. Burns directs the Neuropsychology Service at CHOA and specializes in cortical mapping and WADA testing with children referred for epilepsy surgery.
Chelsea Day, PsyD is a neuropsychologist at Shepherd Center’s inpatient acquired brain injury
program. Dr. Day provides supervision during the inpatient neuropsychology fellowship
rotation. In addition, Dr. Day works closely with the senior neuropsychology fellow in developing and organizing the weekly neuropsychology didactic seminar. Dr. Day also serves as editor of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine's, Rehabilitation Outlook.
Andrew Dennison, M.D., Medical Director of Acquired Brain Injury program and physiatrist on
the Acquired Brain Injury inpatient unit. Dr. Dennison specializes in brain injury rehabilitation including psychopharmacology and clinical research. He directs the medical brain injury services
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across the continuum of care. Dr. Dennison teaches and supervises Fellows activities during major rotations.
Payal Fadia, M.D., Medical director of Post Acute Brain Injury Services and physiatrist at
Shepherd Pathways. She joined Shepherd Center as a physiatrist in Shepherd’s Acquired Brain Injury inpatient unit in 2008. She completed her residency in physical medicine and
rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship in traumatic brain injury/stroke rehabilitation and spasticity management at the University of Texas–Houston. Dr. Fadia teaches and supervises Fellows activities during major rotations.
Rob Godsall, Ph.D., Coordinator of neuropsychological services at The MS Center at Shepherd,
and has been a part of the Shepherd Center team since 1997. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Georgia State University, where his specialty interests were clinical
neuropsychology and family systems therapy. Following his clinical internship, in which he completed major rotations in forensic psychology and neuropsychology, Dr. Godsall completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology in the behavioral neurology section of the Department of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine. He continues to pursue his interests in neuropsychology and family systems in working with families of neurologically disordered members.
Tana Hall, M.Ed., LPC, Family Counselor on the Acquired Brain Injury inpatient unit. She began
working at the Shepherd Center in 2013. Tana received her Master’s degree from Georgia State University in 2001 and was licensed in 2004. Previously, Tana was the Director of Counseling at a local non-profit that served youth and young adults. She also practiced as a psychotherapist and social skills teacher where she specialized in helping parents and children communicate more effectively. A sample of her background includes several years working as an Outward Bound Instructor, leading groups of adolescents and adults in the wilderness and working in schools as a consultant and teacher.
Laura L. Hoskins, Psy.D., Director of Postdoctoral Fellowship and Clinical Neuropsychologist on
the Acquired Brain Injury inpatient unit. Additionally, Dr. Hoskins conducts outpatient neuropsychology evaluations. Dr. Hoskins obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University. She completed an internship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine followed by a two-year APPCN fellowship in neuropsychology and neuroimaging at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. Dr. Hoskins is the primary supervisor for neuropsychology trainees on the Acquired Brain Injury inpatient unit.
Gary A James, Psy.D. is Director of Neuropsychology Services at Shepherd Pathways, the
post-acute brain injury division of Shepherd Center. He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at Argosy University (Atlanta campus). Dr. James
obtained his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Baylor University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology and Medical Psychology at Michigan State University School of Medicine. Dr. James is the primary supervisor for neuropsychology trainees at Shepherd Pathways.
Stephen N. Macciocchi, Ph.D., ABPP-CN. Former Director of Neurorehabilitation Psychology
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and current Board Certified Consultant to the fellowship program. Dr. Macciocchi is board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. His clinical and research interests include medico-legal problems, mild TBI, sports concussion, and biomedical ethics. He provides didactic seminars and weekly supervision during the academic year.
Laurie Nash, Ph.D., ABPP., Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist for SCI
programs at Shepherd Center. Dr. Nash is board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. She also maintains private practice in Atlanta. Dr. Nash completed her internship at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, and her 2-year
postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at the Shepherd Center. Interests include the impacts of depression and cognitive impairment on recovery from injury, the effects of injury on family functioning, and post-traumatic growth.
Ronald Seel, Ph.D., Director of Brain Injury Research. Dr. Seel specializes in brain injury
research and he provides supervision for Fellows choosing to engage in brain injury research. Dr. Seel’s interests include outcome studies, efficacy of pharmacologic agents, and neurocognitive recovery following brain injury.
Ben Thrower, M.D., Medical Director, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center. Dr. Thrower specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of MS. He supervises and teaches fellows during minor rotations in the MS Center. Dr. Thrower is involved in numerous research projects; fellow research
participation is based on MS interest.
Ford Vox, M.D., Staff physiatrist in the Brain Injury Program. He is a board-certified physical
medicine and rehabilitation physician with additional subspecialty board certification in brain injury medicine. Dr. Vox treats inpatients in the Shepherd Center Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. Dr. Vox teaches and supervises Fellows activities during major rotations.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Shepherd Center accepts Fellowship applications every year. Fellows typically begin training the Tuesday after Labor Day, but this date is negotiable. See APPCN website for application deadline. We encourage you to apply early as we typically begin to receive applications in November of the year prior to the start date. We also very strongly encourage you to interview with us in person at Shepherd Center, so you can view the facility and meet the faculty. You may call to schedule a time to come to Atlanta or you may interview with our faculty at the meetings of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) or the International Neuropsychological Society (INS). Interviews at the NAN and INS conferences should not be viewed as a substitute for onsite
interviews. Our fellowship/residency program abides by APPCN policy that no person associated with our program will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant. All applicants must register with National Matching Services to be ranked for the Fellowship. For your convenience, an APPCN Resident Matching Program Request for Applicant Agreement Package form is included at the end of this brochure. Our APPCN Matching Program
Code is 9942. Please retain this code, as you will need it when submitting your resident site
rankings. Applicants unfamiliar with National Matching Services are directed to an informational web site at www.natmatch.com/appcnmat. Shepherd Center is an Equal
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other underrepresented groups in professional neuropsychology or rehabilitation psychology. Persons wishing to apply for admission to the fellowship must submit the following:
1. Letter of interest that provides brief autobiographical information and explains your interest in this fellowship.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Official graduate school transcripts.
4. Evidence of completion (or pending completion) of a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. Normally, your
transcript will note whether or not the doctoral degree has been awarded. If you apply to the fellowship prior to completing your dissertation or prior to formal documentation of your degree, we must receive supporting documentation from your dissertation
committee chair attesting to the completion of your dissertation by September 1. No
applicant will be permitted to start the fellowship if his or her dissertation has not been completed. We are unable to make exceptions.
5. Evidence of completion (or pending completion) of an internship approved by the
American Psychological Association. A copy of the certificate or letter of completion from your internship will normally fulfill this requirement. If you are pending completion, a letter from your internship director that attests to your ongoing good progress will suffice until you receive a certificate of completion.
6. Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with your academic or clinical work. One or more of your letters should come from a neuropsychologist. The letters should address your clinical and academic skills, particularly as they relate to training in neuropsychology.
Please submit all materials through the U.S. mail or by email to (emailed submissions are preferred).All application materials and inquiries should be directed to:
Laura L. Hoskins, Psy.D.
Director of Postdoctoral Fellowship
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
