Frequently Asked Questions
How many positions are available? There are 10 positions for 2022-2023.
How does the rotation system work? There are two rotations lasting six months each. During each rotation, the intern will be on two to four services depending on the time requirements of the service. For example, the Clinical Child-Pediatric intern may be on the Child Inpatient service (24 hours) and Pediatric Liaison (12 hours), plus seminar and support group (4 hours); another rotation this intern may be on Pediatric Liaison (20 hours), TEACCH (8 hours) and Heart-Lung Transplant (8 hours), plus seminar and support group (4 hours). Each intern works out his/her individualized program with the Program Coordinator to best fit his/her interests and needs.
Is there a primary theoretical orientation of the faculty? Not really. During the internship year, interns will be exposed to methods of assessment and intervention that are evidence based or supported; the use of academic and professional resources to inform clinical practice is emphasized. The intern can be assured of being trained in a variety of models and approaches. More information about theoretical orientations of the faculty can be found in the track descriptions.
What is the diversity of the population served by the programs in the internship? Interns will work with a wide range of clients reflecting considerable diversity with respect to ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and other individual differences. The UNC Medical Center serves as the primary care facility for local counties, and as a tertiary care provider for patients from all 100 counties in North Carolina and from nearby states, serving more than 37,000 people as inpatients each year. Many more are seen in outpatient settings. Therefore, the population served is as diverse as the population of the State of North Carolina. The population of North Carolina, according to the 2017 estimate by the US Census Bureau, is 10,273,000, of which approximately 22.2% are African-American, 9.5% are Hispanic/Latino, 3.1% Asian, and 1.6% American Indian.
What types of jobs do former interns obtain? These vary depending on the interests of the intern. Many work in clinical, academic, and/or research positions in medical centers, universities, psychiatric facilities and correctional settings; others have gone into private practice. Many have initially chosen postdoctoral settings (including positions at UNC) to further their training.
What kinds of research opportunities are available and do interns typically get involved? Opportunities range from time to complete a dissertation to engaging in research with faculty. Up to a day a week can be set aside, based on the intern’s interests and goals.
What are the strengths of the program? Interns who have completed their training typically praise the diversity of experiences and the individualization to their needs and interests. The quality of supervision by a staff of psychologists committed to psychology training is an important asset. Interns are a part of excellent service models, both in the hospital and in the community, that give high priority to training and service in an interdisciplinary context alongside trainees in multiple professionals.
What is the relationship between Psychology and Psychiatry? The relationship between psychologists and psychiatrists in the Department has been strong and positive. Psychologists are held in high regard and valued for their important contributions. Psychologists have held key administrative positions (e.g., Director of the TEACCH Autism Program). Interns have enjoyed and learned from the multidisciplinary training and collaboration with Psychiatry residents, who respect the interns’ skills.
Do interns have an opportunity to do supervision? Training in supervision is provided through the didactic seminar series and through individually-developed experiences in supervising peers and/or other trainees.