Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency
NDD stands for neurodevelopmental disabilities. We are a new pediatric medical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis & treatment of pediatric (and adult) patients with:
- Cognitive developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, intellectual disability and learning disabilities)
- Metabolic and genetic conditions (e.g., Trisomy 21, Fragile X and mitochondrial diseases)
- CNS conditions (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy)
- Nerve and muscle disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy, neuropathies)
We are a unique specialty in that we are trained to evaluate and treat children incorporating a multidisciplinary perspective (e.g. medical, social, behavioral, neuroscience) and collaborate with other professionals such as therapists, rehabilitation specialists, educators, and the community. We understand neurodevelopmental disabilities from a lifespan model and residency training includes pediatric and adult medicine training.
How is NDD training different from a Child Neurology program?
- NDD training focuses on longitudinal care of both children and adults with disabilities
- Child Neurology training gives some experience with behavioral and developmental assessment/treatment, but NDD training gives fellowship-level expertise in these valued skills
- NDD offers greater emphasis on working with a therapeutic team and understanding community resources and gives more training in advocacy and team leadership
- NDD offers a strong interaction with therapists and teachers, which gives a physician a solid knowledge of the workings of the therapy team that is key to the treatment for individuals with disabilities
- NDD training offers more protected research time in order to develop academic leaders
Board certification also differs between NDD and Child Neurology. Completion of NDD training allows you to be board eligible for 3 boards:
- Pediatrics (American Board of Pediatrics)
- Neurology with special qualification in child neurology (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology - ABPN)
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ABPN)
Child neurology allows dual certification (Pediatrics & Neurology).
Research
Research
Although NDD is listed as a residency, the more extensive period of training does allow for mentored research opportunities. A strong portion of NDD graduates have chosen to incorporate basic and clinical research into their careers.
Education
Education
Becoming an NDD physician takes a minimum of 6 years of post graduate (after graduating from medical school) training. This training typically includes:
- 2 years of ACGME-approved categorical pediatrics program
- 4 years of NDD residency (1 year of adult neurology, 18 months of child neurology, 18 months of NDD)
You may also be eligible if you have already completed an ACGME pediatrics residency and would like to do subspecialty training. If you are already in a pediatrics residency program, contact us and your pediatrics program director to learn which rotations you would need to complete during a 2-3 year period to be board-eligible for pediatrics.
How to Apply
How to Apply
NDD is now using NRMP System
Contact Information
Elliot S. Gersh, MD
NDD Residency Program Director
egersh@childrensnational.org
Helpful tips for applying
Applicants may interview and rank programs for both NDD and Child Neurology-Some NDD programs offer a combined program with pediatrics, in which you can complete all post-graduate medical training within one institution.
Other suggestions
Interested students or prospective applicants can contact individual programs to arrange a visit or meeting to learn more about the NDD programs.
You might also consider scheduling a 4th year medical school elective or residency elective month in your institution or at an institution with an NDD program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits?
- Health, Dental, Vision
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Annual & Sick Leave
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Backup Child and Elder Care
A detailed summary of all benefits can be found in our Benefits Guide.