Pediatric Pain Psychology Fellowship

The Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine is presently inviting applications for its 2023-2024 Pediatric Pain Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship program.

The clinical component of the fellowship involves training in the interdisciplinary Pediatric Pain Management Clinic (PPMC) at Stanford Children’s Health, which offers outpatient services focusing on evaluation and treatment of chronic pain, co-lead pain management workshops for groups of children and parents with chronic pain and participate in the intensive outpatient rehabilitation program. Physicians, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and fellows work collaboratively on a clinical team to address the complex challenges faced by youth who suffer from chronic discomfort and their families. Fellows will have protected time (1 day per week) to participate in professional development activities and research projects.

Current research opportunities include characterizing pain and treatment needs in AYA patients, development of treatment groups for the AYA population, understanding demographic and clinical factors that impact treatment recommendations for children presenting to primary care with musculoskeletal pain, the effectiveness of interdisciplinary treatment on child and family functioning, understanding predictors of chronic pain in children and tracking long-term outcomes, and the role of psychological factors on treatment efficacy. Development of independent project is encouraged. Fellows will have supervision for professional development and research projects and will have support to attend national conferences. 

In addition to training at the outpatient clinic and intensive outpatient rehabilitation program, the fellow will be provided the opportunity to train in clinical hypnosis by attending the 3-day training offered by the National Pediatric Hypnosis Training Institute (NPHTI) and biofeedback training. Fellows also participate in seminars and lectures at the Departments of Anesthesia, and throughout the School of Medicine. Please note training opportunities and conferences may be converted to remote delivery and could also be cancelled to optimize safety guidelines as they relate to COVID-19 safety restrictions.

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the nation’s most desirable places to live: its diverse cultures, temperate year-round climate, world-class arts scene, food and wine, and access to recreation (ski slopes, hiking trails, redwood forests, beaches, wine country, and bustling cities) afford delightfully unique benefits. Stanford University sits within the dynamic Silicon Valley region, in the cosmopolitan town of Palo Alto  –   just 35 miles south of San Francisco and 15 miles north of San Jose.

Stanford Children’s Health Center offers fellows a competitive stipend as well as benefits (e.g., medical, dental, vision, disability, life and accident benefits provided, and partial coverage offered for spouses/registered domestic partners and/or children). 

Annual stipend is $68,238 plus the fellow will be offered monthly housing allowance and one time moving allowance (after applicable taxes).

Educational and travel funds are available to the fellow (details provided during acceptance into program).

Paid leave includes: 15 days vacation/personal time off, 5 days conference attendance, 6 weeks pregnancy leave, sick days, and university holidays.

Candidates with previous clinical and research experiences in pediatric behavioral medicine are strongly encouraged to apply.

All applicants must have:

1. APA- or CPA-accredited graduate programs in clinical, counseling psychology, school psychology, or clinical child psychology programs.
2. APA- or CPA-accredited internships; and
3. Completion of all requirements for their PhD or PsyD prior to beginning their appointment.

Application deadline is December 15th, 2022. Interviews will occur remotely on January 27th, 2023 (tentative). To apply please send all required documents by email to our application coordinator: Jessica Martinez: jimenez5@stanford.edu and Ana Goya Arce (fellowship director): agoyaarc@stanford.edu

After all requirements are received, Ms. Martinez will send a department application form to be filled out and returned by email to complete the written application.

Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Start Date: September 1st, 2023.

E-mail inquiries can be directed to Ana Goya Arce, PhD, Director of Pediatric Pain Psychology Fellowship at agoyaarc@stanford.edu