Among APA’s missions is ensuring a strong future for psychiatry by preparing individuals to assume tomorrow’s leadership roles. Part of this investment is embodied by the APA and APA Foundation (APAF) fellowships.
Though the fellowships have existed for many years, their structure and oversight have undergone a dramatic evolution since 2015. As Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H., the director of APA’s Division of Diversity and Health Equity (DDHE), told Psychiatric News, “This reorganization has streamlined the fellowship application process, while also creating an environment that truly engages young professionals and encourages their retention in organized medicine. This new fellowship program is one of the most exciting developments to arise in our division.”
Eight APA/APAF fellowships, whose length varies from 10 months to two years (see box), are now under the purview of DDHE; the division previously oversaw three minority fellowships. Beyond simplifying the logistics of the program—for example, the application period for all fellowships now takes place between October 30 and January 30—Parekh noted this merging of the fellowships under DDHE reflects the growing diversity of the APA membership and the importance of fostering cultural awareness in fellows.
As part of this embrace of differing cultures, the fellowship program is expanding efforts to bring in young psychiatrists from across the nation. DDHE is working with APA’s district branches and state associations to encourage applications. Parekh said that toolkits will be made available to all district branches that—among other information—provide an example of what a winning application looks like.
Approximately 50 fellowship slots are awarded each year from a pool of around 150 applicants, said Parekh. While DDHE oversees all the fellowships, the division is not involved in the selection process—each fellowship has its own selection committee.
Most of the fellows are assigned to serve on one of APA’s councils and participate in APA’s September Component Meetings. Before the start of the meetings, all fellows—both new and continuing—meet for an all-day orientation session. The experience provides a rich networking opportunity not only with component leaders but also with their peers in the fellowship program.
Throughout their fellowship tenure, fellows have access to a wide range of mentoring and education opportunities, not only from their work on a council, but also by attending APA meetings and interacting with leaders of their state or district association.
Fellows can also apply to become the chair of their fellowship during their second year. The chair, selected by the fellows in each program, takes on additional leadership responsibilities such as organizing workshops at APA meetings and contributing to a fellows’ newsletter. ■
More information about the APA/APAF fellowships can be accessed
here.
