Pediatric GI Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

Function/Duties of Position

The Division of Pediatric Psychology, in partnership with the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, is recruiting for one full-time pediatric GI psychology postdoctoral fellow. The duration of training is 12 months with the option to extend for a second year of subspecialty training based on fellow interest and program availability.

This fellowship will consist of clinical training in the psychological assessment and treatment of pediatric gastrointestinal conditions. Patients commonly referred to GI psychology present with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (i.e. ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), celiac disease, disorders of gut brain interaction (i.e., e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, functional abdominal pain, rumination, functional dyspepsia), constipation and encopresis, short bowel syndrome, esophageal disorders, and other health complexities. The fellow will have the opportunity to observe, learn and/or implement evidence-based psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and clinical hypnotherapy for gastrointestinal conditions. There is a focus on delivery of culturally humble care during this fellowship.

The GI Psychology fellow will have ample opportunity to provide shoulder-to-shoulder care within interdisciplinary clinics, which may include the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Celiac Disease Clinic, Polyposis Clinic, and/or Bowel Retraining and Constipation Clinic. GI Psychology service includes in-person and virtual outpatient appointments, providing access to patients across Oregon and Washington. Additionally, the fellow will gain valuable experience in inpatient consultation and liaison at Doernbecher Hospital for a range of medical presentations. There are no after-hours or weekend on-call requirements for this position and services are only offered Monday-Friday. Additional training opportunities have include activities such as participation in Comfort Ability trainings, observation of medical procedures, and clinical shadowing in other subspecialty areas based on availability.

The GI Psychology program has expanded greatly over the past few years with a focus on developing clinical services. While this fellowship position is primarily clinical in nature, the GI psychology fellow will spend time participating in ongoing applied research projects and program development within their areas of interest and experience. Current research and program development efforts involve behavioral/mental health screening in pediatric gastroenterology, IBD-related distress, pediatric to adult healthcare transition, and multidisciplinary GI treatment.

Clinical hours and supervision (individual and group) will be provided commensurate with licensure in the state of Oregon. Additionally, training is consistent with licensure requirements in the state of Washington. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to a multitude of career development opportunities through the Division of Pediatric Psychology, Institute on Development & Disability, and OHSU, including a full range of didactic offerings in both Psychology and Gastroenterology. Further, opportunities to teach medical students and residents, as well as offer community-based trainings to parents, patients, and service providers are available throughout the training experience. GI psychology fellows are highly integrated into the Gastroenterology Division, making this a great position for learners interested in a career in Psychogastroenterology.

Required Qualifications

• PhD/PsyD in Psychology from an APA-Accredited Doctoral Program in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.
• Completion of APA-accredited doctoral internship that included work with children and families.
• Knowledge of development across the lifespan, psychosocial contributors to behavioral health, behavioral intervention, family-based intervention, and effective communication skills.
• Residency contract approved by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experience in pediatric psychology and in providing care to patients in a multidisciplinary clinic setting are encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in working with patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal or chronic medical conditions is preferred but not a requirement.
• Previous experience with evidence based treatment for gastrointestinal disorders or other medical conditions is preferred but not required.

Additional Details

Apply here online:

Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.

*OHSU Employees be sure to apply using your OHSU email*

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]