The DBP Fellowship Program is an ACGME accredited three-year training program, which aims to prepare fellows for academic leadership careers in the field of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, based on their exceptional clinical skills, cutting-edge research contributions, outstanding education and training skills, and effective advocacy for children and families.
Our comprehensive curriculum provides the flexibility and guidance to pursue careers within the broad spectrum of the field of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, and establishes a solid foundation in the current study and practice of this specialty.
Irene Koolwijk, MD MPH
Assistant Professor in Pediatrics
[email protected]
310-794-7165 (Phone)
310-206-4215 (Fax)
Program Coordinator:
Leedun Solachnek
[email protected]
The DBP fellowship program begins with a primarily clinical first year during which trainees learn about a range of developmental and behavioral pediatric conditions. Fellows refine their research project focus within the first year and each fellow uses the final two years of the fellowship to develop an area of clinical expertise while conducting a mentored research project and gaining knowledge and skills in quality improvement as well as participating in outreach into the community.
Fellows develop their clinical skills working with their patients longitudinally in a weekly follow-up clinic as well as being members of multidisciplinary assessment teams for Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Learning difficulties. Elective experiences may include clinical rotations in our High Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic, Genetics and Psychiatry clinic, and a variety of other clinical programs at UCLA.
Weekly seminars address topics in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, behavioral neurology, child psychiatry, educational methodology for teaching, research methodology and professional development.
Within the first year the fellow meets with potential research mentors to discuss possible areas of research, chooses a mentor and the area of the research project and begins meeting with the research team.
A literature review is started in the area chosen and the fellow begins reading the necessary background material. It is expected that by the end of the first year the fellow will have selected a specific research mentor and area of research.
During the second year the fellow continues working closely with the research mentor and research collaborators on project design. It is expected that by the end of the second year the fellow will have obtained all necessary training, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and will be ready to implement the research project.
It is expected that during the third year, under the guidance of the faculty research mentor, the fellow will complete data collection, data analysis and prepare a written summary of the research. The fellow is strongly encouraged to present research at local and national meetings as a poster presentation and submit research findings to a peer-reviewed journal.
A key element of the research program is mentorship. The portfolio of ongoing and funded projects within the division and across the campus assures that DBP fellows have access to exciting and productive research training opportunities and outstanding mentors.
Eligibility criteria for fellowship training at UCLA
The DBP Fellowship Program utilizes the Association of American Medical Colleges' Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To register with ERAS and review information regarding application procedures, requirements and deadlines please visit the ERAS website. Please visit the National Resident Matching Program NRMP for additional details regarding the match process and registration information.
Paper applications will not be accepted. From received applications, we will invite a select group of prospective applicants to interview at UCLA. Selected prospective applicants interview in person at UCLA.
Required documentation to be submitted via ERAS
Please submit a completed ERAS application, which includes the following documentation:
