Edwin Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship

The Edwin V. Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship program has been made possible by a generous gift from Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., in memory of his brother Edwin V. Valdiserri, M.D. and creates a special opportunity for current residents who are interested in public, community, or forensic psychiatry programs to receive additional experience, training and mentorship in a correctional setting.

The 2027 application period will start on November 1, 2026.

Program Benefits

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Fellowship Forums
• Attend Fellows' choice of one of the following:
  • The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) Annual Meeting
  • National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Annual Conference
• Attend courses and workshops at APA meetings and be exposed to training opportunities that develop leaders in public psychiatry
• Collaborate with other Public Psychiatry Fellows to plan a workshop at the APA meeting
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APA Board of Trustees as a non-voting member (one of the Edwin Valdiserri/Public Psychiatry Fellows allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Program Expectations

• Maintain APA membership and good standing in one’s residency program throughout the fellowship
• Contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Provide confirmation from your Training Director or Department Chair that this required volunteer service is feasible and can/will be supported
• Attend two consecutive APA Meetings, two Fellowship Forums, and all fellowship related activities
• Actively participate on an assigned APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group
• Participate in Fellowship teleconferences (a minimum of 50%)
• Participate in mid-year and year-end evaluations with Fellowship Program Manager.

Number of Awards

One per year, pending funding

Program Term

July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2029 (Two consecutive years)

Eligibility at the Time of Matriculation

• APA member
• At least PGY 1 or PGY-2 in accredited U.S. or Canadian psychiatry residency program with two remaining years of training.
• Have strong interest in Public, Community, or Forensic psychiatry
• Open to non-U.S. citizens, non-US residents, and graduates of international medical colleges
• Be willing to contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Be able to receive institutional support for correctional facility volunteer work

You may apply for as many APA/APAF Fellowships during an application cycle based on your eligibility. However, participation in more than one APA fellowship simultaneously is not permitted.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum vitae, including if applicable:
  • Special clinical training
  • Creative activity
  • Evidence of leadership and/or collaborative capacity
• A 500-word personal statement explaining how the fellowship will impact the applicant's career
  • The personal statement should address the following:
    • Your motivation for applying for the fellowship 
    • Your leadership experiences 
    • Your dedication to public psychiatry and serving underserved populations
• Three references from psychiatrists, including one reference from the applicant’s training director or department chair. The training director/department chair’s letter must confirm support for applicant’s volunteer work in a correctional facility.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will be looking for the following competencies in the applicants:

• Public Service and Leadership: Evidence of volunteer work/activities with underserved populations (not including required residency activities), advocacy pursuits and/or leadership and/or collaborative capacity.
• Creative Pursuits: Evidence of creative activity (i.e.: research, program development, editorials, etc.). Include presentations, publications, and grants.
• Academic Record: Undergraduate training, medical school, and graduate training (e.g., MPH), special clinical training and/or any awards received by the applicant.
• Personal Statement: Quality of the personal statement indicating the applicant’s dedication to serving underserved populations with mental illness.

Deadline

March 15, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Notification

May

Contact

American Psychiatric Association Foundation
c/o Fellowships Team
Email: [email protected]