Universal Psychology Postdoctoral Directory

Elements of quality clinically focused postdoctoral training

Setting Overview: Tampa General is a private not-for-profit hospital as well as one of the most comprehensive medical facilities in West Central Florida, serving a population in excess of 4 million across one dozen counties, ranked #1 in Tampa Bay by US News & World Reports. TGH is the area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, has one of three American Burn Association verified burn centers in Florida, is a state certified stroke center, and has one of the largest transplant programs in the country. As the region’s leading safety net hospital, Tampa General is committed to providing area residents with excellent and compassionate health care. In partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, TGH is Florida’s leading academic health system for over 50 years.

Our Tampa General Medical Group (TGMG) Psychology & Neuropsychology team provides assessment, consultation, and treatment for both adult and pediatric populations throughout the continuum of care. Currently, the Psychology & Neuropsychology staff represent a high degree of specialization in treating individuals with medical, rehabilitation, and neuropsychological needs. Psychologists have key leadership roles within their multidisciplinary teams and participate in teaching and applied clinical research.

Facilities: Psychology and Neuropsychology services are located at the TGH main hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, and Westshore outpatient center locations within 15-20 minutes from each other in South Tampa. Rotations at the main hospital include consultation-liaison, oncology, palliative care, pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, transplant, bariatric surgery, and NICU. Adult inpatient rehabilitation is located at the TGH Inpatient Rehabilitation Center. Outpatient rehabilitation, pain psychology, and neuropsychology are located at the Westshore Outpatient Clinic. Training is provided by the on-site supervisor with oversight from the Training Director.

Program Schedule: Postdoctoral fellows participate in supervised rotations within the Tampa General continuum of care (acute, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient). Fellows typically choose two rotations for 2-days per week and switch rotations at 6 months. There may be flexibility on rotation schedule, depending on training goals and supervisor availability. 

Program goals, competencies, and objectives: The primary goal of the Health and Rehabilitation Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is to develop professional psychologists who are competent, ethical, and prepared for independent practice in a variety of medical settings. Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellow will display competencies in the clinical practice of psychology. Fellow evaluation aligns with the Profession Wide Competencies (PWC’s) set forth by APA. Goals and competencies are met through clinical rotations with direct supervision, didactics, a program development project, and case presentations. At the conclusion of training, we expect fellows will meet the following goals and objectives: 

• Provide evidenced-based clinical care including advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and/or consultation, depending on individualized training goals. 

• Work effectively in multidisciplinary environment, know the roles of other professional providers, and exhibit appreciation for unique knowledge and contributions of other disciplines. 

• Practice with mature appreciation for ethical and professional standards in alignment to the American Psychological Association Ethical Codes and standards. 

• Provide clinical care in a manner, which respects and is sensitive to individual differences of all persons, is non-discriminatory, and which respects and protects human and civil rights. 

• Apply research to clinical practice and program development. 

• Demonstrate effective use and understanding of supervision. Exhibit self-care behaviors to facilitate competent and professional practice.

Didactics: Fellows are required to attend weekly didactics on Friday mornings that include professional development, health, and rehabilitation topics (9am-12pm). Some of these didactics are provided in collaboration with the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. Fellows will also attend Psychology department meetings, Do No Harm meetings for case consultation and safety awareness, grand rounds, and continuing education programs, as they are scheduled. 

Projects and Presentations: Fellows complete one year long program development project that may be related to clinical care or applied research. Fellows present to faculty on 1. Program development project, 2. One case presentation, and 3. One topic of interest.