Colleagues,
We are excited to announce our ongoing post-doctoral fellowship. Please distribute widely:
BRIGHTEN Heart Primary Care Health Disparities
Geropsychology and Geriatric Social Work Fellowships
*Innovative Training Program Award Recipient*
from the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs
Rush University Medical Center is offering a two-year clinician/researcher fellowship in primary care geropsychology and a one-year geriatric social work clinical fellowship as part of the NHLBI-funded "BRIGHTEN Heart" randomized controlled trial within the Rush Center for Urban Health Equity. BRIGHTEN (Bridging Resources of an Interdisciplinary Geriatric Health Team via Electronic Networking) is an interdisciplinary team-based screening, assessment and treatment program for depression and anxiety among minority older adults with cardiometabolic syndrome through primary care. Based on evidence-based programs such as PRISM-E, PROSPECT, and IMPACT, the BRIGHTEN program involves a patient-centered interdisciplinary care team that is virtually linked to include occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, pharmacists, and chaplains. Team members are connected through a secure web server, providing an opportunity for ongoing discussion and “virtual staffings” around each participant. BRIGHTEN Heart operates in federally qualified health center primary care clinics for underserved adults. The randomized controlled trial is comparing the BRIGHTEN Heart intervention to enhanced primary care for African American and Latino older adults with cardiometabolic syndrome. The focus on reducing health disparities is prominent throughout the fellowship training.
In year one, fellows will receive didactic training in gerontology, evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety in older adults with health problems (CBT, IPT, mindfulness-based interventions), and issues related to treatment with low-income and minority elders, along with intensive clinical supervision. Primary responsibilities include: providing evidence-based psychotherapy to older adults, participating actively in team discussions, contributing to clinical case management in collaboration with Program Coordinators, and active participation in research data collection, analysis and manuscript preparation. Fellows will also be expected to develop an independent research project.
Psychology fellows will conduct their research project over two years, with research serving as their primary activity for year two of the fellowship, and maintain a small clinical caseload. Research mentorship will be provided by faculty of the NIH Summer Institute on Randomized Behavioral Clinical Trials (Steven Rothschild, MD; Lynda Powell, PhD; DeJuran Richardson, PhD) who are core members of the Rush Center for Urban Health Equity. Training in grant writing for ongoing support of the fellow’s research will also be emphasized.
Fellowships begin September 1, 2013 for 12 (social work) or 24 (psychology) months. Compensation includes competitive stipend and health benefits. Bilingual (Spanish/English) ability and intent to remain in Chicago area for post-training employment are preferred but not required.
Geropsychology Fellow Requirements – PhD in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA accredited program with an APA accredited internship and some experience and/or training in working with older adults. Research experience with older adults and/or medical populations is preferred. All degree requirements, including dissertation, must be completed before the beginning of the fellowship.
Geriatric Social Work Fellow Requirements – MSW in clinical social work and some experience and/or training in working with older adults.
Rush University Medical Center is a nonprofit, academic medical center in the heart of Chicago that encompasses a 613-bed hospital serving adults and children, the 61-bed Johnston R. Bowman Health Center and Rush University. Rush University is home to one of the first medical colleges in the Midwest and one of the nation’s top-ranked nursing colleges, as well as graduate programs in allied health, health systems management and biomedical research. The Medical Center also offers more than 70 highly selective residency and fellowship programs in medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter via email to Erin Emery, PhD (erin_emery@rush.edu) by January 1, 2013. Three signed letters of recommendation must also be submitted via email directly from letter writers by January 1, 2012. Psychology applicants: if you have not completed your dissertation, one letter must be from your dissertation Chair, reflecting your current progress and expected completion of all graduate work prior to beginning the fellowship.
| Erin E. Emery, Ph.D. Director of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Psychology Co-Primary Investigator, BRIGHTEN Heart erin_emery@rush.edu 312-942-6294 | Steven Rothschild, MD Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Preventive Medicine Co-Primary Investigator, BRIGHTEN Heart |
| Lynda Powell, PhD Chair, Department of Preventive Medicine Primary Investigator, Rush Center for Urban Health Equity | Robyn Golden, LCSW, MA Director, Health and Aging Rush University Medical Center Co-Investigator, BRIGHTEN Heart |
Erin E. Emery, Ph.D.
Director of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Psychology
Project and Clinical Director, BRIGHTEN Program
Rush University Medical Center
Assistant Professor, Rush University
Department of Behavioral Sciences
710 S. Paulina St., Suite 431
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-6294
erin_emery@rush.edu
President, APA Division 12/II, Society of Clinical Geropsychology
Everything is connected; nothing lasts; you are not alone. - Lewis Richmond
