Updated July 11, 2024
history of mental health, substance abuse, and/or other medical conditions. Primary sources of referrals are primary care, neurology, psychiatry, and limited TBI rehabilitation.
The Clinical Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship will refine assessment approaches through advanced clinical interviewing and standardized testing while considering the therapeutic utility for the Veteran. There is an emphasis placed on describing the patients’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses to better formulate tailored recommendations and treatment plans. We espouse a fixed-flexible approach to neuropsychological assessment which focuses more on cognitive domains than on specific tests per se. The specific tests will be chosen based on the characteristics of the patient and the referral question. Typically, tests of memory, attention, visual processing, language, executive function, psychomotor speed, psychological adjustment and symptom validity will be considered. Utility and empirical reasons for selecting other assessment approaches including fixed batteries, cognitive screenings, and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations including follow-up assessment that utilize reliable change indexes (RCIs) will also be provided. Upon completion, the Fellow will demonstrate advanced competency with standardized administration of tests, case conceptualization, and selection of appropriate measures based on their psychometric properties and available culturally appropriate norms. In addition, the Fellow will learn syndrome analysis approaches to interpretation that focuses on pattern and error analysis integrating information acquired from both normative and qualitative data. The Fellow will also demonstrate advanced competency in consultation with varied disciplines, providing feedback and education to patients, families, and referral sources when appropriate, and efficiently producing a consumer-oriented integrative report. The Fellow will have a variety of training opportunities and activities, some of which are required and others that are optional and somewhat customizable. Therapeutic application of neuropsychological information may be provided in a variety of ways. First, evaluations will often be followed by a meeting with the patient and possibly their family in order to review findings, better understand how the current results match the way the patient and family see the problems in real life and provide practical recommendations and referrals. The Fellow may also have the opportunity to co-facilitate evidence-based intervention groups for patients with TBI and/or PTSD. While on the neuropsychological rotation, the Fellow will conduct on average two to three neuropsychological assessments per week, managing both test administration, developing a battery, and report writing. They will have at least two hours of individual supervision with licensed clinical neuropsychologists per week. They may also obtain clinical supervision experience with Neuropsychology Practicum Students or Interns. Fellows will attend the weekly Neuropsychology Seminar/Journal Club, Neuropsychology Case Conference, Functional Neuroanatomy Didactics, and participate in Fact-Finding exercises. They will be expected to present cases and didactic material at the Neuropsychology Seminar and Neuropsychology Case Conference. Involvement with scholarly activities is required. The clinic has general databases built or that may be expanded on. Fellows are encouraged to work on posters and/or papers for publication. Additional activities may include program development, preparation and presentation of novel projects, development of treatment protocols (e.g., SMART-CPT or CogSmart), and further development of existing projects. Past projects have included
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