Description of the Training Program

As part of their experience, the fellow will receive training in:

Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation: The fellow will receive training in pre-surgical psychological evaluations to determine a patient’s appropriateness for surgery/ risk stratification and recommendations to improve outcomes post-operatively. Pre-surgical evaluations may also include pain management (e.g., evaluations for candidacy for opioids or implantable devices, treatment within integrated pain center) and evaluation for medical procedures/ adherence to medical treatment across the medical system.

Evidence-Based Treatment Pre- and Post-Surgically: The fellow will provide treatment to patients both pre- and post-surgically. Concerns commonly addressed include engagement in behavioral changes, treatment of disordered eating behavior, stabilization of psychiatric symptoms, etc.

Evidence-based Treatment for Chronic Health Conditions: The fellow will provide intervention for individuals with complex comorbid psychiatric, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, as well as health promotion and disease management.

Group Treatment: The fellow will lead and/or co-lead a monthly support group for pre- and postoperative patients. The fellow will also lead a Binge Eating/ Emotional Eating Therapy Group for bariatric patients every other month.

Consultation: The fellow will attend Bariatric Board team meetings and observe surgical procedures. The fellow receives supervision related to: working within a multidisciplinary team, presentation at Bariatric Board team meeting, and teaching skills for various teaching topics throughout the year to be presented at Bariatric Board.

Supervision: The clinic has a number of trainees including clinical psychology graduate students, practicum students, and interns. The fellow will function as part of a vertical model of supervision and receive supervision of supervision skills.

Research: The fellow has the opportunity to participate in a number of ongoing research projects or design new projects of interest related to bariatric surgery/ obesity medicine.

Program Evaluation: The fellow will participate in didactics related to program evaluation and quality improvement. Program evaluation is considered an important skill development on fellowship.