The Edwin V. Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship program has been made possible by a generous gift from Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., in memory of his brother Edwin V. Valdiserri, M.D. and creates a special opportunity for current residents who are interested in public, community, or forensic psychiatry programs to receive additional experience, training and mentorship in a correctional setting.

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Program Benefits

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Mental Health Services Conferences
• Attend Fellows' choice of one of the following:
  • The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) Annual Meeting
  • National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Annual Conference
• Attend courses and workshops at APA meetings and be exposed to training opportunities that develop leaders in public psychiatry
• Collaborate with other Public Psychiatry Fellows to plan a workshop at the APA meeting
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance through observance and service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APA Board of Trustees as a non-voting member (one of the Edwin Valdiserri/Public Psychiatry Fellows allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Program Expectations

• Maintain APA membership and good standing in one’s residency program throughout the fellowship
• Contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Provide confirmation from your Training Director or Department Chair that this required volunteer service is feasible and can/will be supported
• Attend two consecutive APA Meetings, two Mental Health Services Conferences, and all fellowship related activities
• Participate in the Fellowship Forum during the APA Mental Health Services Conference
• Audit/observe an APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group during the first year of the fellowship to gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance.
• Actively participate on an assigned APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group during the second year of the fellowship
• Participate in Fellowship teleconferences (a minimum of 50%)
• Participate in mid-year and year-end evaluations with Fellowship Program Manager.

Number of Awards

One per year, pending funding

Program Term

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027 (Two consecutive years)

Criteria / Eligibility

• APA member
• At least PGY 1 or PGY-2 in accredited U.S. or Canadian psychiatry residency program with two remaining years of training.
• Have strong interest in Public, Community, or Forensic psychiatry
• Open to non-U.S. citizens, non-US residents, and graduates of international medical colleges
• Be willing to contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Be able to receive institutional support for correctional facility volunteer work

You may apply for as many APA/APAF Fellowships during an application cycle based on your eligibility. However, participation in more than one APA fellowship simultaneously is not permitted.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will be looking for the following competencies in the applicants:

• Public Service and Leadership: Evidence of volunteer work/activities with underserved populations (not including required residency activities), advocacy pursuits and/or leadership and/or collaborative capacity.
• Creative Pursuits: Evidence of creative activity (i.e.: research, program development, editorials, etc.). Include presentations, publications, and grants.
• Academic Record: Undergraduate training, medical school, and graduate training (e.g., MPH), special clinical training and/or any awards received by the applicant.
• Personal Statement: Quality of the personal statement indicating the applicant’s dedication to serving underserved populations with mental illness.

Nomination / Application Details

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum vitae, including if applicable:
  • Special clinical training
  • Creative activity
  • Evidence of leadership and/or collaborative capacity
• A 500-word personal statement explaining how the fellowship will impact the applicant's career
  • The personal statement should address the following:
    • Your motivation for applying for the fellowship 
    • Your leadership experiences 
    • Your dedication to public psychiatry and serving underserved populations
• Three references from psychiatrists, including one reference from the applicant’s training director or department chair. The training director/department chair’s letter must confirm support for applicant’s volunteer work in a correctional facility.

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Deadline

March 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Notification

May

Contact

American Psychiatric Association Foundation
c/o Fellowships Team
Email: [email protected]