of the American Psychiatric Foundation and the American Psychiatric Association

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals

Background

The Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellowship provides all psychiatry residents, fellows and early career psychiatrists an opportunity to work in a congressional office on federal health policy, particularly policy related to child and/or minority issues. The fellowship was created in honor of the late Jeanne Spurlock, M.D., who was Deputy Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Office of Minority/National Affairs. Dr. Spurlock was a staunch advocate for children and minorities.

The fellowship is administered by the American Psychiatric Foundation in conjunction with the American Psychiatric Association, and is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

Program Description
The recipient will serve a ten-month fellowship in Washington, DC starting in 2009. The fellow will be introduced to the structure and development of federal and congressional health policy procedures, with a focus on mental health issues affecting minorities and underserved populations, including children. Fellows traditionally help develop legislative proposals, track and analyze legislative initiatives, arrange hearings, and brief Members of Congress and their staff, and interact with their constituents. During the fellowship, recipients have opportunities to interact with health policymakers and advocacy/professional groups, including the APA. The recipient will be required to submit a written summary of the Fellowship experience at the end of the fellowship and may make recommendations or suggestions for improving the fellowship.

Qualifications and Applications
All psychiatry residents and fellows as well as early career psychiatrists may apply for the Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellowship. Applicants must be APA members, U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applications, in the form of a letter to the American Psychiatric Association (address on the back of flyer) must be received by March 14, 2008 in order to be considered. The application must include the following:

1. Current curriculum vitae
2. Two letters of recommendation from psychiatrists who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s clinical expertise, interpersonal skills, and interest in minority mental health and underserved populations including children.
3. One- or two-page essay giving the reasons for applying for this fellowship, including any past educational and/or political experience that would enhance performance in a congressional office. While not an absolute requirement, demonstrated experience with child and/or minority mental health programs, advocacy and/or policy development is encouraged.
4. Detailed letter (no more than two typed pages) from the department chairperson or training director delineating the candidate's qualifications and describing plans the institution may have for using the experience to be gained. For early career psychiatrist, a letter from their District Branch President or Executive Director noting contributions to the DB of the applicant and how this experience will enhance the DB and its community.

Application material should be sent to:
Marilyn King, APA Dept. of Minority/National Affairs
1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209

The Jeanne Spurlock Fellowship Selection Committee will review all applications. The APA Department of Minority/National Affairs will arrange personal interviews between top ranked applicants and members of the Committee in May.

The recipient will be announced in May of the year prior to the fellowship term. Award recipients will be encouraged to maintain membership in the APA and will be expected to serve on the Selection Committee for at least three years upon completion of the fellowship.

Stipends, Benefits and Expenses
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $35,000, which may be supplemented by the fellow's institution. Fellows will also be reimbursed for moving expenses to and from Washington, D.C., up to $2,500. If funds permit, authorized travel expenses to the APA annual meeting for purposes of the interview, other required meetings and to the Wyeth facility will be reimbursed in accordance with APA's travel guidelines.

Timetable
Deadline for submission
March 14, 2008
Selection and announcement of fellows
May 2008
Start of fellowship
January 2, 2009
End of fellowship
October 2009

Questions
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Marilyn King at the APA at 703-907-8653 or mking@psych.org.

Former award recipients: Drs. Sue Ishiyama (Cong. Patrick Kennedy), Ericka Goodwin (Cong. Donna Christian-Christensen), Harsh Trivedi (Sen. Jack Reed), Jose Vito (Sen. Gordon Smith), Toya Clay (Cong. Janice Schakowsky), and Daniel Bober (Sen. Patty Murray).

This fellowship is administered exclusively by the APA and the Foundation. The fellow has no obligation to any funding organization.

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