Hematology/Oncology Psychology Externship

This externship is ideally suited for advanced clinical students seeking comprehensive training in pediatric psychology. Externs will spend two days per week providing psychological services to children and adolescents with cancer or blood disorders and their families. Clinical activities will be carried out under the direct supervision of pediatric psychologists Steven Hardy, Ph.D., Dana Footer, Psy.D., Megan Connolly, Ph.D., and Stephanie Merwin, Ph.D.

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s National Hospital includes both outpatient and inpatient services for children diagnosed with cancer, hematologic disorders such as sickle cell disease, and other malignant and non-malignant disorders. Physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and other psychosocial team members work collaboratively to address the complex problems faced by these patients and their families. Presenting issues include coping and adjustment with diagnosis and treatment, anxiety (generalized, anticipatory, and procedural), depression, behavior problems, nonadherence to medical treatment, pain exacerbated by psychological stressors and grief/loss.

The externship consists of clinical training in pediatric psycho-oncology, direct clinical care of patients and families, participation in multidisciplinary rounds and a weekly psychology seminar. As desired, opportunities are available to participate in new and ongoing clinical programs and research at Children’s National.
Clinical activities, which emphasize cognitive/behavioral and family systems approaches, include:
- Inpatient and outpatient consultation/liaison services
- Outpatient therapy
- Mental health screening programs
Externs will also participate in our multidisciplinary Long-term Follow-up Clinics for survivors of childhood cancer and children who have undergone stem cell transplant to treat malignant and non-malignant diseases as well as our Sickle Cell Disease Integrative Clinic for pain management.
Formal coursework in child development as well as clinical experience with children and adolescents are required. Experience working clinically with medically ill populations is preferred, but not required.
Up to three externs will be recruited for this position.
Please email a letter of interest, CV and at least two letters of recommendation to:
Dana Footer, Psy.D. | Email
Interested applicants should also complete this survey one time, regardless of how many externships you are applying for.
Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington DC 20010
Sixteen hours (two days) per week from August or September through May (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays are preferred).

Hematology/Oncology Psychology Externship

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