Innovative Methods in Pathogenesis and Child Treatment Training

The IMPACT (Innovative Methods in Pathogenesis and Child Treatment) postdoctoral program, directed by Tina Goldstein, PhD, and co-directed by David Brent, MD, provides clinical scientists (MDs and/or PhDs) with a strong foundation in the research techniques and methodologies of clinical investigation in child mental health and offers rigorous training in biological and social sciences. Fellows work closely with internationally recognized researchers, who serve as mentors and offer individual attention. In addition to postdoctoral training, IMPACT offers a predoctoral summer program for medical students. More information is available on IMPACT's website.

In the two-year postdoctoral program, fellows are matched with faculty members who provide mentorship across an array of approaches and methods, including neuroimaging, genetics, developmental longitudinal perspectives, treatment evaluation, and dissemination and implementation research that encompasses the range of major child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In addition, fellow  have the opportunity to participate in the Career and Research Development Seminar (CARDS) series, and  receive resources for travel, coursework, and pilot research.

View from Pittsburgh's North Shore, overlooking the Allegheny River
View from Pittsburgh's North Shore, overlooking the Allegheny River

IMPACT’s predoctoral summer program is an eight-week research elective that pairs medical students with a mentor from our training faculty whose work complements the student’s research interests. Fellows in the program work on a project that will lead to a scientific presentation and a peer-reviewed, publishable product.



Program length

The postdoctoral program is two years, and the predoctoral program is eight weeks.


Who should apply?

Postdoctoral training: Creative individuals with an MD, PhD, or other doctoral degree in a mental health-related discipline with an interest in child mental health disorders are encouraged to apply.

Predoctoral training: Medical students with an interest in specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry may apply to the summer program.


How many spots are available?

Six postdoctoral stipends and four predoctoral summer stipends for medical students are available each year.


How do I apply?

Click here for the program’s application materials.