Gastroenterology Externship
This externship is ideally suited for advanced practicum students seeking further training in pediatric psychology. The Division of Gastroenterology provides outpatient psychological consultation and treatment to a diverse clientele of families with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, functional abdominal pain, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and encopresis.
About the Externship
This position offers opportunities to participate in a range of multidisciplinary outpatient clinics and services at the main hospital and/or outpatient centers under the direct clinical supervision of Shayna Coburn, PhD, and Emma Larson, PhD, in the Gastroenterology Division :
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic: (1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the main hospital) Provides evaluation and treatment of newly diagnosed and complex patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Patients are seen by a range of specialists including a gastroenterologist, nurse, psychologist and dietitian. Brief assessment and outpatient therapy addresses coping with chronic illness, self-management, procedural anxiety and depression.
- Encopresis Clinical Service: (Daily at the main hospital and via telehealth) Provides outpatient therapy in combination with collaborative medical treatment for children and teens with chronic constipation, stool withholding and soiling. Student will utilize components of behavior modification and parent training for treatment in this service.
- Functional GI Disorders Clinical Service: (Daily at the main hospital and via telehealth) Provides outpatient therapy for a range of disorders of the gut-brain axis including chronic abdominal pain, rumination, nausea and anxiety. Student will utilize components of CBT, mindfulness and pain management for treatment in this service.
- Celiac Disease Program: (alternating Wednesdays in-person at Children's National Montgomery County and main hospital and Fridays via telehealth) Provides outpatient consultation and treatment to children and adolescents with celiac disease, requiring a strict gluten-free diet. Psychologists are integrated into clinic visits alongside a physician, nurse, dietitian and education specialist to address coping with diagnosis, dietary changes, physical symptoms and eating/feeding challenges. Potential experiences include half-day weekly clinic, therapy and optional groups for teens and parents (2 hours on a weekday evening).
- Group Therapy for Chronic Pain: (Date and time TBD) There is an opportunity to establish and expand upon a standardized, virtual, group therapy program for children and teens with chronic pain and discomfort. Student may assist with program development, administration and co-leading groups with other mental health providers.
Qualifications
Number of Available Positions
How to Apply
Please email a letter of interest, CV/resume and two letters of recommendation to:
Interested applicants should also complete this survey one time, regardless of how many externships you are applying for.
Locations
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
- Children's National Montgomery County, 9850 Key West Ave, Rockville, MD 20850 (optional)
- Telehealth: may be conducted from home or location of trainee’s choice; link to be provided