> ![](media/image1.png){width="1.125in"
> height="1.6979166666666667in"}**Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship
> Program**
>
> **G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center**\
> Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
>
> Mental Health Service (116M)
>
> 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
>
> Jackson, MS 39216
>
> *601-364-1350*
>
> ***\
> **<http://www.jackson.va.gov/>*

**Applications due: January 31, 2009**

## Accreditation Status

The postdoctoral fellowship at the **G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical
Center** is not yet accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the
American Psychological Association.

A site visit is expected by **2010**.

## Application & Selection Procedures 

Postdoctoral fellowship applicants must show a genuine interest in and
aptitude for advanced clinical psychology training, potential leadership
in the field of psychology, and an expressed desire to learn how to
provide state-of-the-art assessment and intervention to veteran
populations and their families who are experiencing behavioral health,
cognitive, and/or addictive disorders. Applicants are expected to have
acquired a solid skill set in assessment, intervention, and research by
the time they begin fellowship training which can be documented through
previous training experiences, letters of recommendation, statements of
interest, and interviews.

**Requirements for Application to the Program**

***Requirements for application to the program include:***

-   Degree from an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical or
    counseling psychology;

-   Completion of a psychology pre-doctoral internship in clinical
    psychology which is accredited by the APA and listed in good
    standing with the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and
    Internship Centers (APPIC);

-   Citizenship in the United States of America; and

-   Willingness to accept a full-time appointment for a period of 1-year
    (addictive disorders) or 2 years (neuropsychology / geropsychology).

**Recruitment**

***Several venues are utilized to inform potential applicants about the
fellowship program:***

-   Informing current psychology interns about the postdoctoral
    fellowship;

-   Announcing the fellowship on relevant websites and listservs;

-   Advertising at national and international conferences (which may
    include conference attendance for recruitment purposes); and

-   Electronic and print advertisements in the APA Monitor

**Application Procedure**

**Applicants should submit the following materials** **by January 31,
2009 to:**

> ***Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program***
>
> Mental Health Service (11M)
>
> G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC
>
> 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
>
> Jackson, MS 39216

-   Cover Letter

-   Curriculum Vitae

-   3 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from an internship
    supervisor)

-   Official transcripts of graduate work sent directly by your
    university

-   For the neuropsychology / geropsychology position, applicants are
    also required to send 2 work samples (preferably neuropsychological
    assessment reports) and samples of research or other scholarly work
    (e.g. journal article, book chapter, published case report,
    abstract)

**Interview and Selection Procedures**

All completed applications will receive review by at least 3 members of
the postdoctoral fellowship training faculty. Based on this review,
applicants who appear to be a good fit with our program will be invited
for an in-person interview at the GVSMVAMC. Selected applicants for the
neuropsychology / geropsychology position may have the opportunity for
an in-person interview at the International Neuropsychological Society
(INS) Meeting which is held in February of each year. In the event that
an applicant is unable to come for an on-site interview or attend the
INS meeting, we will consider making accomodations to conduct the
interview by telephone. However, in-person interviews are highly
encourgaed in order for applicants and faculty to make more informed
decisions about fit.

After interviews have been completed, members of the postdoctoral
fellowship faculty meet to rank order applicants for each of the
training positions. For the addictive disorders position, offers are
made by telephone on the VAMC Uniform Notification Date for Postdoctoral
Training Programs (February 26, 2009). For the neuropsychology /
geropsychology position, we participate in the Association of
Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) Resident
Matching Program (http://www.natmatch.com/appcnmat/) and maintain full
compliance with the procedures required by APPCN including ranking and
uniform notification dates. Once it has been confirmed that a particular
applicant will be coming to our program, written and/or electronic
notification is sent out to the applicant.

***Psychology Setting***

The primary service area of the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC (GVSMVAMC)
is home to more than 125,000 veterans and their families with about
45,000 unique patients who make more than 300,000 visits per year. The
GVSMVAMC has 163 operating beds and provides primary, secondary and
tertiary medical, surgical, neurological, and psychiatric inpatient
care. Among the inpatient services available to veterans are radiation
therapy, magnetic resonance imaging, hemodialysis, cardiac
catheterization, sleep studies, substance abuse treatment, treatment for
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hematology/oncology, and
rehabilitation programs. Both primary and specialized outpatient
services are also available, including programs such as ambulatory
surgery, spinal cord injury, neurology, infectious disease, substance
abuse, PTSD, readjustment counseling, and mental health diagnostic and
treatment programs. We have a 120-bed community living center, several
community contract nursing homes, four 150-bed state veterans\' nursing
homes, and a variety of outpatient programs aimed at serving the needs
of aging and/or disabled veterans and their families. Given that many of
our veterans reside in rural or geographically isolated areas, the
GVSMVAMC has 6 Community Based Outpatient (CBOC) clinics located across
the state of Mississippi.

Within this rich setting, Psychology Services at the GVSMVAMC serves as
a leader in the provision of clinical care to veterans and their
families, the training of future psychologists and other healthcare
providers, and the development of clinically relevant research.
Currently, there are 11 FTEE psychologists who lead and/or serve on
interdisciplinary teams and provide a variety of specialty services
including addictive disorders treatment (inpatient and outpatient),
behavioral healthcare, consultation-liaison (inpatient and outpatient),
home based primary care mental health, geropsychology, primary care
mental health, neuropsychology, telemental health, and trauma recovery.
Staff retention is excellent, with 5 of our psychologists serving for at
least 8 years. In 2007, we received mental health expansion funds and
were able to recruit 5 additional psychologists to our service, and we
expect to add at least 2 additional psychologists in 2008.

In regards to research, our faculty at the GVSMVAMC has a variety of
interests and ongoing collaborations at the local and national level.
Some of our current projects are focused on exercise promotion in the
elderly, the cognitive effects of exercise, cardiovascular health in
minority populations, cognitive behavioral interventions related to
heavy drinking, improving continuity of care following primary substance
use disorder (SUD) treatment, smoking cessation, resilience and recovery
after trauma, cognitive therapy aimed at reducing caregiver burden in
family members of veterans with PTSD, interventions for caregivers of
veterans with complex chronic diseases such as COPD, factors associated
with medically unexplained illness among troops deployed to the Middle
East, and the neuropsychology of PTSD.

The GVSMVAMC is one of 5 facilities comprising the South Central VA
Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (SC-MIRECC). Our
MIRECC supports educational and research initiatives as well as
facilitates networking with experts at other MIRECC sites, with a
special focus on improving mental health care for rural and/or
underserved populations. Our new MIRECC research focus at the GVSMVAMC
is the adaptation and/or development of evidence based behavioral health
practices using distance technologies. The GVSMVAMC is closely
affiliated with the adjacent University of Mississippi Medical Center
(UMMC) and School of Medicine.

**Current Psychology Training Programs**

The GVSMVAMC serves a major role as a teaching hospital offering
training programs in psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy,
social work, nursing, and numerous other medical specialties and
disciplines. For over 25 years the GVSMVAMC has been a full partner of a
Psychology Predoctoral Internship Consortium with the University of
Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Department of Psychiatry and Human
Behavior (APA Accredited). This predoctoral internship provides 2000
hours of clinical training, with diverse veteran populations, in both
inpatient and outpatient settings. Four of the 9 internship positions
are funded by VA. Rotations have been traditionally offered in the areas
of addictive disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress
disorder, neuropsychology, behavioral sleep medicine, health psychology,
child/pediatric psychology, and eating disorders. For the 2008-2009
training year, additional training opportunities will be offered in the
areas of primary care mental health, telemedicine, geropsychology, and
home based primary care. All of these rotations involve
interdisciplinary treatment team training and provide opportunities for
both clinical care and research. Intern ratings of the internship have
consistently been excellent, and graduates typically receive competitive
positions at postdoctoral fellowships, medical centers (including VA),
or academic institutions.

In 1998, UMMC funded 4 psychology postdoctoral fellowship positions
which have been continuously filled since 1999. These positions have
attracted outstanding candidates from across the United States and are
geared towards advanced preparation and training for psychology careers
in which research in an integral part. Fellows can chose to work with 2
or more faculty preceptors from UMMC and/or the GVSMVAMC in order to
meet their training goals. Graduates of the program have been successful
in obtaining positions in universities or medical center settings
(including VA).

In 2007, the GVSMVAMC competed for and was awarded 2 postdoctoral
fellowship positions, by the VACO Office of Academic Affiliations,
including a 1-year position in addictive disorders treatment and a
2-year position in neuropsychology/geropsychology. The new VA fellowship
class, which will begin in July of 2008 will have opportunities to
collaborate with the UMMC funded fellows as well as interns and other
psychology trainees.

## Training Model and Program Philosophy

Postdoctoral fellowship training at the GVSMVAMC is rooted in the
Scientist-Practitioner model in which fellows receive mentoring in the
use of scientific methodology to guide their decision making in clinical
practice; in using scientifically valid assessment methods, tools, and
techniques; in utilizing and adapting evidenced based treatment
modalities with different clinical groups; in learning to inform their
patients of scientifically-based findings and approaches to their
problems; in building and maintaining effective teamwork with other
healthcare professionals that supports the delivery of
scientist-practitioner contributions; and in conducting and evaluating
clinically relevant practice-based research.

***Our underlying philosophy is that clinical psychologists should be
well-prepared to apply empirical sciences towards:***

1.  the amelioration of maladaptive, dysfunctional, and abnormal
    behavior in individuals, families, groups, and communities;

2.  the relief of human suffering; and

3.  the promotion of adaptive, fulfilling, and more meaningful living
    patterns in which people can thrive.

The primary theoretical orientation of our faculty is
"cognitive-behavioral." However, we believe that any knowledge or
principle, which is scientifically derived and/or validated, may be
considered and incorporated into practice.

## Program Goals & Objectives

**Overall Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Goals & Objectives**

The overarching goal of the Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
at the GVSMVAMC is to provide advanced clinical training and research
opportunities to fellows to prepare them to serve as leaders in settings
where clinical service delivery and research, especially within the
context of interdisciplinary teams, are an integral part of their
professional activities. In order to meet this goal, the faculty is
committed to the following 4 training objectives which are aimed at
building upon and refining each fellow\'s previously learned assessment,
conceptualization, and intervention skills through active mentorship and
supervision.

***Program Objective 1:*** Preparation of fellows for advanced clinical
practice within their chosen specialty areas: Fellows will learn
advanced interviewing, assessment, and interpretation skills which are
based on empirical principles, as well as detailed knowledge of
psychometric properties and normative data. They will learn how to
assess treatment interventions for empirical support and link these
interventions to assessment findings. They will learn to write reports
in a timely fashion with findings and recommendations stated clearly and
concisely. Finally, fellows will learn how to establish rapport with
diverse veteran populations and communicate in a way that encourages
shared decision making with the veteran in the treatment process.

***Program Objective 2:*** Enhancing fellow educational and teaching
abilities: Postdoctoral fellows will expand their education and teaching
abilities through learning to develop and present well organized
seminars relating to their areas of expertise. The content of these
presentations should be appropriate to the sophistication of the
audience with a style that is engaging and encourages questions. Fellows
should also be facile in the use of multimedia technology so as to
enhance the quality of their presentations.

***Program Objective 3:*** Developing fellows\' research and scholarly
abilities: Postdoctoral fellows will attain sufficient knowledge of
their specialty area so that they are able to critically evaluate
research findings, summarize the current state of knowledge in an area,
and discuss directions for future research. Fellows should also have
strong conceptualization and execution skills as evidenced by serving as
co-investigators on a research project or writing a grant proposal for a
pilot study. Finally, fellows should have a solid awareness of human
studies issues (e.g., protection of human subjects, informed consent,
and security of research data).

***Program Objective 4:*** Providing opportunities for professional
development: Fellows will gain a detailed knowledge of the APA ethics
code, as well as an awareness of how to recognize and address ethical
issues that might occur in their training settings. Fellows should also
demonstrate leadership ability as evidenced by taking initiative on work
related tasks and identifying potential solutions to problems that
arise. Similarly, fellows should actively contribute to the development
of programs in their training settings. Fourth, fellows should aim to
improve their skills by actively seeking out and implementing feedback
received from their supervisors. Finally, fellows should collaborate
with other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team and show
sensitivity to issues of cultural and individual diversity.

***Goals and Objectives: Addictive Disorders Position***

The primary goal of the addictive disorders position is to assist
fellows in developing an advanced understanding of substance use theory,
the role of psychological / behavioral risk factors in the development
of addictive disorders, and competence in empirically-based methods of
assessment and intervention for addictive disorders. The goal is to
ultimately prepare fellows to readily recognize and treat addictive
disorders across a wide range of clinical settings through. This goal is
accomplished through the following 5 training objectives:

***Training Objective One: Assessment and Diagnosis:***

-   Acquisition of advanced knowledge of diagnostic criteria as they
    relate to substance abuse and dependence

-   Refined differential diagnosis skills so as to facilitate the
    identification of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in veterans
    that also meet criteria for substance abuse or dependence

-   Acquisition of a detailed knowledge of withdrawal symptoms
    associated with various drugs of abuse and increase proficiency in
    determining when to refer veterans for medical evaluation of
    withdrawal symptoms

-   Develop competency in the assessment of and scoring of
    semi-structured interviews for substance use and co-occurring
    disorders including but not limited to the Addiction Severity Index
    (ASI), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses (SCID-IV),
    and the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS)

-   Become proficient in conducting addictive disorder evaluations

-   Become proficient in the administration, scoring, and interpretation
    of self-report measures of personality, mood, anxiety, and cognitive
    functioning

-   Identify means to objectively assess a veteran\'s progress through
    various stages of treatment

***Training Objective Two: Intervention:***

-   Improve therapy skills by facilitating process-oriented and
    psychoeducational groups

-   Refine intervention skills by conducting group and individual
    sessions using principles associated with Motivational Enhancement
    Therapy

-   Refine individual therapy skills by serving as a Treatment
    Coordinator for veterans with substance use and co-occurring
    disorders

-   Improve intervention and communication skills by serving as a
    long-term therapist for veterans with either substance use or
    co-occurring disorders including individuals from diverse ethnic,
    cultural, and religious backgrounds

***Training Objective Three: Team Membership and Communication:***

-   Serve as a member of an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team and
    contribute to team discussions about addictive disorders

-   Concisely present assessment findings in written form via progress
    notes and orally during treatment team meetings about veterans with
    addictive disorders

-   Lead \"clinical staffings\" of veterans that are demonstrating
    problematic behaviors that might negatively impact their ability to
    benefit from treatment

-   Present evaluation and treatment plan reviews

***Training Objective Four: Research and Scholarly Activity:***

-   Actively participate in an ongoing ADTP research project

-   Complete all required research and privacy trainings

-   Demonstrate a solid understanding of issues related to the
    protection of human subjects and maintaining the security of
    research data

***Training Objective Five: Professional Development and Ethical
Behavior:***

-   Demonstrate an understanding of the APA Ethics Code, especially in
    relation to veteran confidentiality

-   Present an education program related to an area of expertise for the
    ADTP staff

-   Contribute to the development and enhancement of an existing ADTP
    program

**Goals and Objectives: Neuropsychology / Geropsychology Position**

The primary goal of the 2-year fellowship in neuropsychology /
geropsychology is 2-fold: (1) to prepare fellows for advanced clinical
practice in clinical neuropsychology (consistent with APA-Division
40/INS guidelines) with the aim of eventual board certification
(ABCN/ABPP); and (2) to develop competencies in the practice of clinical
geropsychology which is focused on assisting older individuals and their
families maintain well-being, overcome problems, and achieve maximum
potential during later life. Geropsychology training at the GVSMVAMC is
guided by the Pikes Peak Model of Geropsychology training. Overall
objectives of this position follows

***Training Objective One: Assessment and Diagnosis:***

-   Acquire an adequate fund of knowledge regarding psychological and
    neuropsychological test instruments commonly employed with adults
    across the life span, including older individuals, who are
    experiencing neurocognitive and/or psychological disorders

-   To learn how to adapt standard assessment procedures to adequately
    assess veterans who have sensory, motor, and/or linguistic deficits
    (e.g. aphasia)

-   To develop a repertoire of interpersonal skills needed to maximize
    veterans' performance

-   To develop assessment skills which allow for flexibility in adding
    or deleting measures based on test findings and ongoing hypothesis
    generation during assessment

-   Evaluate data in relationship to other findings, including
    behavioral observations, collateral reports, neuroimaging results,
    previous records, and demographic data

-   Utilization of assessment techniques which take into consideration
    veteran diversity (e.g. age, ethnic, religious, geographic,
    educational, etc)

-   Develop recommendations for each veteran to maximize functioning
    including suggestions for school performance, work performance, or
    independence at home

-   Use the veterans\' pattern of strengths and weaknesses to provide
    the referral source with diagnostic information as well as practical
    recommendations for care

***Training Objective Two: Intervention:***

-   Provide veterans with information derived from their assessment in a
    clear and concise manner, acknowledging their deficits, but
    emphasizing compensatory strategies so that they can profit from
    their strengths

-   Improve therapy skills by facilitating cognitive rehabilitation
    groups, that emphasize memory, attention, and problem-solving skill
    deficits

-   Refine intervention skills by conducting individual sessions aimed
    at helping veterans cope with impaired cognition, neurological
    disease states, and other factors associated with their diagnosis

-   Refine therapy skills by working with veterans and their
    spouses/families together in order to maximize the family\'s
    understanding of the veteran\'s diagnosis, as well as assist them in
    managing/coping with the veteran\'s impairments

-   Integrate research on diversity into clinical practice

***Training Objective Three: Team Membership and Communication:***

-   Participate in the interdisciplinary team training workshop

-   Serve as a member of an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team and
    contribute to team discussions

-   Concisely present assessment findings in written form via progress
    note and orally during treatment team meetings

-   Lead at least 2 \"clinical staffings\" of veterans who are
    demonstrating impairment in cognition and/or neurological
    dysfunction and facilitate team development of treatment plans aimed
    at symptom management

***Training Objective Four: Research and Scholarly Activity:***

-   Actively participate in an ongoing neuropsychology and
    geropsychology research projects

-   Present scholarly work at a professional conference

-   Complete all required research and privacy trainings

-   Demonstrate a solid understanding of issues related to the
    protection of human subjects and maintaining the security of
    research data

***Training Objective Five: Professional Development and Ethical
Behavior:***

-   Demonstrate an understanding of the APA Ethics Code, especially in
    relation to veteran privacy and confidentiality

-   Provide front line supervision to a psychology graduate student or
    predoctoral intern who elects to take a rotation in neuropsychology
    or geropsychology under the leadership of a licensed supervisor

-   Present an education program related to an area of expertise for the
    mental health staff

-   Contribute to the development and enhancement of the neuropsychology
    and geropsychology clinics

-   Participate in the yearly Neuroanatomy course offered at UMMC

-   Attend Neurology/Neurosurgery grand rounds offered by UMMC, as well
    as Neuropsychology grand rounds offered by the Methodist
    Rehabilitation Center

Additional goals/objectives for geropsychology training at the GVSMVAMC
are as follows. Please note our program is guided by the Pikes Peak
Model and the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs
(CoPGTP). The focus is on development of the attitudes, knowledge, and
skills needed to work successfully with older individuals and their
families.

***The following information was taken from CoPGTP and included in this
website for potential applicants to review:***

I.  **Attitudes\
    **

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1.  Psychologists are encouraged to work with older adults within their
    scope of competence, and to seek consultation or make appropriate
    referrals when indicated. (G1)1

2.  Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and
    beliefs about aging and about older individuals may be relevant to
    their assessment and treatment of older adults, and to seek
    consultation or further education about these issues when indicated.
    (G2)

3.  Psychologists are encouraged to expand their awareness of how
    individual diversity in all of its manifestations (including gender,
    age, cohort, ethnicity, language, religion, socioeconomic status,
    sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and
    urban/rural residence) interacts with attitudes and beliefs about
    aging, to utilize this awareness to inform their assessment and
    treatment of older adults, and to seek consultation or further
    education when indicated

4.  Psychologists are encouraged to increase their knowledge,
    understanding, and skills with respect to working with older adults
    through continuing education, training, supervision, and
    consultation. (G20)

**II. Knowledge Base**

***A. Knowledge:*** General Knowledge about Adult Development, Aging and
the Older Adult Population

1.  Theoretical models and research methodologies for understanding the
    processes of aging, including the life-span developmental
    perspective, conceptions of positive or successful aging, and
    methodological issues in conducting or evaluating research on aging
    (G3)

2.  Demographics of aging, including where to obtain current knowledge
    on changes in population dynamics

3.  Normal or "usual" aging, including:

    -   Biological and health-related aspects of aging and mind-body
        interactions (G6\--adapted)

    -   Psychology of aging, including normative continuity and change
        in the domains of sensory processes, cognition, personality, and
        emotions

    -   Social dynamics of the aging process including issues such as
        work and retirement, friendships, roles, and family
        relationships (G4)

4.  Awareness of diversity in the aging process, particularly how
    sociocultural factors such as gender, age, cohort, ethnicity,
    language, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender
    identity, disability status, and urban/rural residence may influence
    the experience and expression of health and of psychological
    problems in later life, and how this knowledge may inform the
    assessment and treatment of older adults (G5)

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1.  ***Knowledge:*** Foundations of Clinical Practice with Older Adults

    1.  The neuroscience of aging, its applications to changes in
        cognition, and its implications for clinical interventions with
        older adults (G7-adapted)

    2.  Knowledge of the salience of functional changes in later
        adulthood, including resulting problems in daily living (G8)

    3.  Awareness of the concept of person-environment interaction and
        the implications of this concept for adaptation in late life
        (G8)

    4.  Psychopathology in middle and later adulthood, including
        differences in the prevalence, etiology, presentation,
        associated features, co-morbidity, and course of mental
        disorders in older adults, as well as the health-related
        consequences of treated and untreated psychological disorders in
        late life (G9)

    5.  Knowledge of common medical illnesses in late life

***C. Knowledge:*** Foundations of Assessment of Older Adults (G10 and
G11, expanded)

6.  Theory and research informing psychological assessment of older
    adults, including the broad array of assessment domains, methods,
    and instruments which are psychometrically suitable for assessing
    older adults

7.  Issues in the limits of using assessment instruments created for
    younger persons with older adults without adequate standardization

8.  Knowledge of contextual issues in the assessment of older adults,
    including the system or environment in which the elder functions,
    and the impact on assessment process and outcomes

***D. Knowledge:*** Foundations of Intervention, Consultation and Other
Service Provision

1.  Theory, research, and practice of various methods of intervention
    with older adults, including current research evidence about their
    efficacy and effectiveness as applied to diverse groups within the
    older adult population (G13, G14)

2.  Health, illness, and pharmacology as related to assessment and
    treatment of late life mental health problems, including awareness
    of medical/medication factors which may affect treatment outcomes
    (e.g., illness, medication side effects, and polypharmacy)

3.  Issues pertaining to the provision of services in the specific
    settings in which older adults typically live or seek treatment
    (G15)

4.  Knowledge of aging services in the local community (e.g., day care,
    transportation, residential) and how to refer clients to these
    services

5.  Prevention and health promotion services, and their relevance for
    middle-aged and older adults at risk for mental disorders (G16)

6.  Awareness of the broad array of potential clients (e.g., family
    members, other caregivers, healthcare professionals, and
    organizations) for psychological consultation and intervention, and
    appropriate intervention strategies in these contexts (G17)

7.  Models and methods of interdisciplinary collaboration, including an
    understanding of the varied components, roles, and contexts of
    interdisciplinary treatment of late life mental disorders (G18)

8.  Knowledge of ethical and legal standards related to psychological
    intervention with older adults and care systems, with particular
    attention to aging-specific issues of informed consent,
    confidentiality, substitute or end of life decision making and
    potential conflicts of interest, capacity/competency, and elder
    abuse and neglect

**III. Skill Competencies**

***A, Skills:*** Professional Geropsychology Functioning (Foundational
Competencies)

1.  Understand and apply ethical and legal standards, with particular
    attention to ¬aging-specific issues, such as informed consent,
    confidentiality, capacity/competency, end-of-life decision making,
    and elder abuse and neglect

2.  Understand cultural and individual diversity as relevant to
    assessment, intervention, and consultation and apply to practice
    with diverse older adults

3.  Address complex biopsychosocial issues among many older adults by
    collaborating with other disciplines in multi- and
    inter-disciplinary teams

4.  Practice self-reflection, self-assessment (e.g., self-awareness of
    ageist assumptions/biases; recognition of boundaries of competence
    and when/how to refer elsewhere)

5.  Relate effectively and empathically with older adults clients,
    families, and other stakeholders in a range of professional roles
    and settings (e.g., senior center, hospital, long term care)

6.  Apply scientific knowledge to geropsychology practice and policy
    advocacy

7.  Practice appropriate documentation/billing/reimbursement procedures
    for geropsychological services in compliance with state and federal
    laws and regulations (especially regarding Medicare/Medicaid
    services), including assessment and documentation of medical
    necessity

8.  Advocate for clients' needs and provide case management for needed
    services

***B. Skills:*** Assessment (G11 and G12)

1.  Conduct clinical assessment leading to DSM diagnoses and other
    clinically relevant problems, formulation of treatment plans and,
    specifically, differential diagnosis (common problems and issues
    include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, delirium,
    dementia; and medication and physical disorders and their effects on
    functioning)

2.  Use psychometrically sound screening instruments for cognition,
    psychopathology, and personality to inform treatment planning

3.  Refer for neuropsychological, neurological, psychiatric, medical or
    other evaluations as indicated

4.  Use cognitive assessments and/or neuropsychological reports to
    clarify clinical issues and inform treatment planning

5.  Evaluate decision-making and functional capacities (e.g., for
    managing finances, independent living, driving, making health care
    decisions)

6.  Assess risk (e.g., suicidality, self-neglect, elder abuse)

7.  Adapt instruments and tailor assessments to accommodate older
    adults' specific characteristics and contexts

8.  6.Communicate assessment results to various stakeholders with
    relevant, practical, and clearly understandable recommendations,
    with appropriate consideration for confidentiality issues

***C. Skills:*** Intervention

1.  Apply individual, group, and family interventions to older adults
    using appropriate modifications to accommodate distinctive
    biopsychosocial functioning of older adults and distinct therapeutic
    relationship characteristics

2.  Use available evidence-based treatments for older adults

3.  Develop psychotherapeutic interventions based on empirical
    literature, theory, and clinical judgment when insufficient efficacy
    research is available on older adults

4.  Be proficient in using commonly employed late-life interventions
    such as those focusing on life review, grief, end-of-life care, and
    caregiving

5.  Use interventions to enhance health of diverse elderly persons
    (e.g., chronic health problems, healthy aging, cognitive fitness)

6.  Demonstrate ability to intervene in settings where older adults and
    their family members are often seen (e.g., health services, housing,
    community programs) with a range of strategies including those
    targeted at the individual, family, environment, and system

***D. Skills:*** Consultation/Training

1.  Consult to families, professionals, programs, health care
    facilities, legal systems, and other agencies/organizations that
    serve older adults

2.  Provide training on geropsychological issues (e.g., in-services,
    workshops, in community settings, to different disciplines)

3.  Participate in interprofessional teams that serve older adults

4.  Communicate psychological conceptualizations to medical and other
    professionals in concise and useful manner

5.  Implement strategies for systems analysis and change in
    organizations and facilities that serve older adults

6.  Design and participate in different models of aging services
    delivery (e.g., integration)

7.  Collaborate and coordinate with other agencies and professionals
    that serve older adults

8.  Recognize and negotiate multiple roles in older adult consultation
    settings

***E. Skills:*** Delivery of Services in Different Settings

Delivery of services in two or more different settings, including:

1.  Outpatient mental health services

2.  Outpatient primary care/medical settings

3.  Inpatient medical service

4.  Inpatient psychiatric service

5.  Long-term care settings including nursing homes, assisted living
    facilities, home care, day programs

6.  Rehabilitation settings

7.  Hospice

8.  Community-based programs

9.  Forensic settings

10. Home delivered psychological services

11. Research settings

1G1-G19 refer to the guidelines published in: American Psychological
Association (2004). Guidelines for psychological practice with older
adults. American Psychologist, 59, 236-260.

## Program Structure

**Structure: Addictive Disorders Position**

The Addictive Disorders Treatment Team is the largest team in mental
health and offers a broad spectrum of treatment services to veterans
with substance use or other addictive disorders. The multi-disciplinary
staff provides an array of treatment services using individual, group,
and telephone/video based interventions. Specialty services are also
offered for veterans with co-occurring, anxiety, mood, or psychotic
disorders. The Addictive Disorders Treatment Team uses a biopsychosocial
approach to treatment including both 12-step and evidence-based
cognitive-behavioral interventions. Continuing education in
state-of-the- art treatments for addictive disorders is a hallmark of
this team.

Fellows are exposed to the broad array of addictive disorders services
via an initial orientation that is between 1 and 2 weeks in length.
Following the orientation, fellows will select a primary supervisor and
develop a training plan. Fellows will have the opportunity to choose up
to 3 primary clinical rotations for the year as well as secondary
clinical activities which are described in the next section. A
significant percentage of the fellow\'s time is devoted to the
development, implementation, and provision of clinical services at the
GVSMVAMC (approximately 75%). In addition, approximately 5% of the
fellow's time is spent engaging in professional development activities
including continuing education seminars and Grand Rounds presentations.
Fellows can devote up to 20% of their training to research or
professional education (e.g., taking a semester course in substance
abuse epidemiology).

**Structure: Neuropsychology / Geropsychology Position**

The neuropsychology / geropsychology fellowship position is structured
so that fellows can develop competency in both clinical neuropsychology
and clinical geropsychology over the 2-year training period. Fellows
spend approximately half of their time with Dr. Bennett in the
Neuropsychology Clinic and half of their time with Dr. McGee in the Home
Based Primary Care (HBPC) Behavioral Health Clinic (approximately 40% of
their time per week in each clinic which is described below). Also,
fellows may elect to participate in minor rotations offered at UMMC,
which generally entail 5 hours of their time per week (10%). In
addition, approximately 5% of the fellow's time is spent engaging in
professional development activities including continuing education
seminars and Grand Rounds presentations. Fellows can devote up to 20% of
their training to research and/or professional education (e.g., taking
the Neuroanatomy course at UMMC is required).

**Neuropsychology Clinic:** During the time spent in the Neuropsychology
Clinic, fellows will provide psychological and neuropsychological
assessment and feedback for both inpatients and outpatients. Staffings
will be attended by supervisor and fellow as necessary to report on the
status of the patient and provide recommendations for care. Fellows will
collaborate with primary care teams on treatment plans (rehabilitation,
behavioral, psychological) and take responsibility for educating
patients, families, and other team members.

**Home Based Primary Care Behavioral Health Clinic:** VA Home-Based
Primary Care (HBPC) is an innovative Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
program that provides comprehensive longitudinal primary care in the
homes of veterans with complex chronic disabling disease. HBPC services
are delivered by an interdisciplinary treatment team, often over an
extended period of time. HBPC assists (1) patients who have multiple
interacting chronic medical problems requiring longitudinal intervention
to maintain health status, delay functional decline, and reduce the
likelihood of premature institutionalization; (2) patients with advanced
terminal illness who wish to receive palliative care, and (3) certain
individuals with relatively short term problems, who need health
services, home training, and rehabilitation until they can be served in
an outpatient clinic. The interdisciplinary treatment team provides
patients with medical/nursing care and education, mental health care,
rehabilitation services, nutritional counseling, social work services,
clinical pharmacy services, and bereavement support. Patient families
are viewed as important members of the HBPC team, and their needs are
also taken into consideration.

During the time spent in HBPC, fellows will have a 3-fold focus: First,
fellows will spend time learning neuropsychological and psychological
assessment strategies for older and/or medically ill adults. Second,
fellows will gain supervised experience in evidenced based treatment
interventions for older and/or medically ill adults and their
caregivers. Third, fellows will have the opportunity to develop skills
serving on an interdisciplinary team of providers including the role of
psychology.

## 

## Training Experiences 

**ADDICTIVE DISORDERS**

The year-long Addictive Disorders position offers up to 3 primary and 3
secondary rotations, which can be completed over the training year,
along with opportunity for research training. Available training
opportunities include:

**Primary Clinical Training Opportunities**

-   Evaluation and Treatment. In this rotation, fellows have the
    opportunity to conduct empirically based evaluation and intervention
    for veterans with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Training
    is provided on the provision of semi-structured and structured
    interviews (e.g., ADIS-IV, SCID) as well as validated self-report
    measures. Fellows receive training on evidenced-based interventions
    for the treatment of substance use, mood, and anxiety disorders
    which include both therapist and patient treatment manuals. Finally,
    fellows have the opportunity to use broad based treatment approaches
    including harm-reduction and contingency management.

-   Residential and Day Treatment Programs. The Addictive Disorders
    Treatment Team has a 16-bed residential program and a day treatment
    program that can accommodate an additional 5 veterans. Admissions
    occur on a weekly basis, and the average length of stay is 24 days.
    A separate dual disorders track is offered for veterans with
    co-occurring disorders in this setting. Clinical activities
    available to fellows on this rotation include: Brief interviews and
    self report assessments of cognitive status, mood, and gambling
    difficulties; Serving as an individual Treatment Coordinator; and
    Leading process oriented and cognitive behavioral skill groups.

-   Tobacco Cessation. The Tobacco Cessation program is designed to
    provide fellows with the opportunity to participate in a diverse
    array of clinical and research opportunities with veterans who have
    current or historical difficulties with tobacco use. Participating
    in the Tobacco Cessation Clinic is a primary focus of this rotation.
    Fellows learn to conduct group, individual, and telephone-based
    interventions using both cognitive-behavioral and motivational
    enhancement techniques. Consistent with current Surgeon General and
    Department of Defense clinical practice guidelines, interventions
    typically incorporate nicotine replacement or other pharmacotherapy,
    thus allowing fellows to work collaboratively with clinical
    pharmacists, physicians, and other primary care providers. Services
    are typically provided on an outpatient basis. However,
    opportunities for telephone based interventions are available.
    Interested fellows can also learn to provide tailored tobacco
    cessation interventions for veterans with co-morbid psychotic,
    anxiety, and/or substance use disorders.

-   Substance Use and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program.
    Established in 2007, the Substance Use and Post Traumatic Stress
    Disorder Program (SUPT) provided assessment and treatment to
    veterans with co-occurring substance use and post traumatic stress
    disorders. Individual and group based interventions are available
    for veterans who have experienced combat or other traumas (e.g.,
    child abuse). Fellows have the opportunity to learn empirically
    validated assessment and intervention techniques including Prolonged
    Exposure and 12-Step Facilitation. Opportunities for research and
    program development are also available.

**Secondary Clinical Training Opportunities**

-   Inpatient Group Therapy. A required element of the Addictive
    Disorders fellowship is to develop and provide a brief (1-2
    sessions) skill based group therapy program for our
    inpatient/stabilization ward. Fellows will work with their
    supervisor to develop the content of the group, create materials,
    and implement the group. Opportunities to train other staff to lead
    these groups are also available.

-   Pre-Transplant Evaluations. Fellows electing to participate in this
    opportunity will receive training to conduct semi-structured
    evaluations of veterans being considered for organ transplant
    procedures. Specific clinical activities include medical record
    review, semi-structured interviews, psychometric testing, report
    writing, and the provision of feedback/recommendation sessions.

-   Administrative Program Development. The Addictive Disorders
    Treatment Team provides continuing education and program updates to
    help meet the needs of our veterans. Fellows electing to pursue this
    option will work with a supervisor to enhance or update existing
    program elements or develop new ones. Fellows will have the
    opportunity to assist in meeting national performance measures and
    preparing for national accreditation from the Joint Commission
    and/or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
    (CARF). Also, fellows will have the opportunity to educate the ADTP
    staff about program development activities.

-   Gambling Education and Treatment. Fellows electing to pursue this
    training opportunity will work with our Certified Gambling Therapist
    to provide individual and group based education and interventions
    for gambling issues.

-   Vocational Rehabilitation. The VA's Compensated Work Therapy (CWT),
    Incentive Therapy (IT), and Supported Employment (SE) programs are
    part of the services offered by the Addictive Disorders Treatment
    Team. This option will provide fellows with the opportunity to
    develop and implement a program to help CWT, IT, and SE veterans
    learn stress management and other skills that they can apply to
    their work assignments and in the early stages of their recovery.

-   Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program. Our Dual Diagnosis track offers
    psychoeducational groups twice per week related to the co-occurrence
    of substance use and other psychiatric disorders. Fellows electing
    to take this rotation will have the opportunity to update and or
    supplement the current group and individual sessions with
    state-of-the-art materials and information on the treatment of
    co-occurring disorders.

**Research Training Opportunities**

Postdoctoral fellows in the Addictive Disorders position are encouraged
to participate and are

provided with many opportunities for research. The Addictive Disorders
Treatment Team has several existing data bases and is also involved in
federally funded projects.

***Current opportunities for fellow involvement include:\
***

-   Psychometric evaluation of measures used in substance use disorder
    (SUD) populations

-   Interventions aimed at increasing engagement in SUD and Tobacco
    Cessation treatment

-   Interventions aimed at improving compliance with continuing care
    services

-   Treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions in SUD
    populations

-   Opportunities are also available for fellows to work with a
    supervisor on developing a small pilot study in an area of their own
    interest.

**NEUROPSYCHOLOGY / GEROPSYCHOLOGY**

The 2 year-long neuropsychology / geropsychology position provides
training opportunities geared towards developing competencies in both of
these subspecialty areas which we view as distinc but complementary.

***Available training opportunities include:***

**1. Outpatient Neuropsychology**

Outpatient neuropsychological services include comprehensive
neuropsychological evaluation and consultation as part of the Mental
Health Consult Team. Most patients are referred to answer questions
raised by primary care providers, but referrals may also come from
Neurology, Psychiatry, and Post-Deployment Health. Postdoctoral fellows
facilitate appropriate scheduling for follow-up of patients that they
assess.

***Structure:*** Postdoctoral fellows will be assigned cases on a
regular basis. Fellows may be responsible for some or all of the
following for a particular case: testing, scoring, recording scores on
the summary sheet, completion of research protocols, submitting charges,
test selection, interview, report generation, feedback, obtaining
outside records, etc. Specific responsibilities on a case should be
clarified with the supervising neuropsychologist.

***Comprehensive Evaluation***

Fellows will learn to conduct a thorough chart review of the patient\'s
history, engage in a comprehensive interview (including neurological and
psychiatric features), administer a wide variety of test instruments,
score the testing, write a formal report, and provide feedback to the
patient and/or their families. Supervisors will familiarize fellows with
the most commonly used tests. Initially, fellows will observe their
supervisor for these evaluations. Over time they will become
progressively more independent from their supervisor in conducting
interviews, administering tests, giving family feedback, and providing
behavioral management. It is the fellow\'s responsibility to find a
regular weekly supervision time to review patients that they are seeing
independently, although supervision may also be provided as needed
throughout the day.

***Structure:*** Outpatient evaluation cases are typically scheduled
every day at 8:30 and 1:00. Length of evaluation is determined by the
specific needs of the patient. Assessments generally fall into one of
two broad categories: brief, which implies interview and testing of
approximately 3-4 hours, and comprehensive, which implies interview and
testing longer than 5-6 hours. Reports are to be generated within 3
working days of completion of the evaluation. The Outpatient Clinic
generally involves weekly scheduling meetings, and patients are usually
scheduled for testing within 3-4 weeks of the initial referral.

***Family Education/Feedback:*** Educating family members is one of the
primary responsibilities of the Neuropsychology Clinic. Fellows should
introduce themselves as a fellow in training and identify their
supervisor (as their supervisor is likely the person who will follow the
patient and their family in outpatient clinics). An explanation about
what a neuropsychologist does and their role on the treatment team is
always in order. Fellows may obtain relevant history from family members
or other collateral sources, as patients are sometime unable to provide
this information on their own. Fellows may also be asking for consent
for various research protocols. Other activities involving family
members include: providing feedback about course of recovery from brain
injury or possible progressions of neurological illness, anticipated
behavioral and cognitive impairments, results of testing and treatment
recommendations, and counseling as indicated. There may be the
opportunity to provide support groups for family members.

**2. Inpatient Neuropsychology**

Fellows will provide evaluation and/or treatment for 1-4 patients per
week from the inpatient wings of the hospital (both medical and
psychiatric) as well as attend inpatient staffing. Given the nature of
inpatient services, a timely response to referral questions are
necessary (within 48 hours unless otherwise indicated). Feedback may be
provided to patients and families, depending on the medical,
psychological, and behavioral issues involved. The content of an
evaluation will depend on referral questions patient impairments, and
style of the supervisor.

***Bedside Evaluation:*** Fellows will learn to perform a bedside
evaluation using many brief tests that will assist in quantifying a
patient's level of responsiveness, behavior, and cognition. Measures
such as the Galveston Orientation & Amnesia Test, Agitated Behavior
Scale, Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Repeatable Battery for the
Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) are commonly used
measures on this unit. Additionally, supervisors will familiarize
fellows with other methods of patient examination to index neurologic
impairment and subsequent improvement (e.g., sensory-perceptual
examination). Initially, fellows will be following supervisors on the
unit for these evaluations. Over time they are expected to become more
independent in conducting these evaluations. Once again, it is the
fellow\'s responsibility to find weekly supervision time to review
patients that are being seeing independently. As before, establishing a
regular, weekly time is suggested.

***Formal Evaluation:*** When an inpatient is ready for formal
neuropsychological evaluation, fellows may be involved in obtaining more
background information, administering tests, scoring tests, and writing
a report. Initially, they will review what tests to select with their
supervisor, as they are familiar with nuances such as the most
appropriate instruments for differing age groups and populations. A
formal report is due within 2 working days of completion of testing.
Initially, fellows will type reports and later dictate them. Be prepared
to report in staffing the results of testing (partial or complete;
scored or not scored). Always include behavioral observations and
unusual sensory/motor limitations.

**3. Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Behavioral Health Program**

***Geriatric Neuropsychology***

Skills in Geriatric Neuropsychology will be obtained in the HBPC program
with a special emphasis on aging and the dementias. Fellows will provide
clinical interviews to older adults and their family caregivers,
administer and score neuropsychological measures commonly employed with
older adults, interpret diverse data, write reports, and provide
feedback to patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
Supervision and required readings will focus on normal cognitive aging,
differential diagnosis of dementia (e.g. Alzheimer\'s disease, FTD,
cerebrovascular disease, etc...) and other conditions which may result
in decreased cognitive functioning in older adults (e.g. mild cognitive
impairment, delirium, other medical disorders, psychiatric conditions
such as depression, etc). There will also be the opportunity to learn to
provide feedback with tailored recommendations for care to veterans and
their families.

***Geropsychology***

Specialized experience in Geropsychology will be obtained primarily
through participation in the HBPC program with possible experience in
the Nursing Home Care Unit and the Telemental Health program. Fellows
will have the opportunity to learn evidence based treatment
interventions for older adults including an intervention that targets
late-life depression, a memory enhancement seminar for seniors, and an
intervention for caregiver stress/distress. Fellows will also learn to
assist families with common behavioral difficulties experienced by
individuals with dementia.

***Research Opportunities***

For the Neuropsychology/Geropsychology position, fellows are expected to
spend approximately 10% of their time conducting research (consistent
with APPCN guidelines). There are a number of ongoing Geropsychology and
Neuropsychology research projects that fellows may participate in with
their faculty mentors, and they are also encouraged to develop related
projects under supervision from their mentors. Fellows are required to
demonstrate research competence by submitting at least one of the
following prior to graduation: a study or literature review for
publication, a paper presentation at a national/international
Geropsychology or Neuropsychology conference, or a grant proposal. We
require that fellows give at least one other formal presentation per
year.

***Clinical and Research Supervision***

Consistent with our emphasis on training, fellows in each of our
fellowship positions will receive a minimum of four hours of supervision
each week. The majority of the supervision will be individual in format
and will involve numerous modalities including but not limited to
modeling, direct observation, review of progress notes/assessment
reports, and discussion of assigned readings. Fellowship supervisors
have an open door policy which results in a combination of daily
unschedule supervision meetings, as well as set, weekly, supervision
times to discuss ongoing training activities such as research projects.

***Didactic Training***

Up to 10% of the fellowship year can be devoted to didactic training
activities both within the GVSMVAMC and/or off station at area
hospitals.

***The types of didactc activities that fellows are ecouraged to attend
include:***

-   The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Department of
    Psychiatry and Human Behavior Grand Rounds

-   The UMMC Psychology Residency Consortium Clinical and Research Case
    Conferences

-   South Central-MIRECC Research and Education Meetings

***Fellows in the neuropsychology/neropsychology position are also
encouraged to attend:***

-   The Neuropsychology Seminar sponsored by the Mississippi Methodist
    Rehabilitation Center

-   UMMC Neurology/Neurosurgery Grand Rounds

-   UMMC Neuroscience Course

## Requirements for Completion

***Requirements for maintenance of good standing and subsequent
successful completion of the GVSMVAMC fellowship program include:***

-   Completion of 2000 hours of supervised clinical training within a
    1-year period of time for the addictive disorders position and 4000
    hours fo supervised clinical training across a 2 year period of time
    for the neuropsychology / geropsychology position.

-   Attendance of at at least 75% of the required didactic and
    professional development training actvities.

-   Ratings of satisfactory or exceptional on formal evaluations which
    are conducted at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months of each year of fellowship
    training.

-   Compliance with standards of professional and ethical behavior as
    described in the GVSMVAMC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Policy and
    Procedure Manual and the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and
    Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association.

## Facility and Training Resources

The fellowship program is located within a large, well equipped, VAMC.
Although most of the training opportunities are located at the main
hospital, the neuropsychology / geropsychology fellow will also receive
training at an off-site location approximately 1 mile form the main
hospital. Each fellow is assigned an individual office(s) which includes
furniture, a telephone with voicemail, and a Pentium based computer that
has up to date software packages including: Microsoft Office
Professional, the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), Veterans
Health Information Systems & Technology Architecture (VistA), and
SPSS-Version 13 for statistical analysis. Fellows have access to
excellent library resources both at the GVASMVAMC and UMMC including the
capacity for on-line literature and data base searches. Statistical and
methodological consultation can be arranged with experts from the MIDAS
Program at the South Central Mental Illness Research and Education
Center (SC-MIRECC).

## Administrative Policies and Procedures

Oversight and coordination of the postdoctoral fellowship program is
conducted by the Postdoctoral Fellowship Psychology Training Committee
(PTC) which is comprised of the VA Clinical Director of Training, the
Psychology Training Coordinator, and 2 additional faculty members from
the GVSMVAMC. This committee is responsible for developing and
overseeing policies and procedures for the program. Please see below for
selected policy and procedure information. Further information on our
administrative policies and procedures can be found in the GVSMVAMC
Postdoctoral Fellowship Policy and Procedures Manual which is
distributed to fellows upon commencement of the fellowship.

-   **Leave Policy:** Our progam complies with the authorized leave
    policy that has been adopted by the VAMC Office of Academic
    Affiliations.

-   **Privacy Policy:** Our privacy policy is clear. We will collect no
    personal information about you when you visit our website.

-   **Due Process Statement:** Upon entry to our training program,
    fellows are provided with a copy of our policy and procedures manual
    which includes information on grievance processes, disciplinary
    actions, and addresses issues pertaining to impaired fellows.

-   **Self-Disclosure:** Our program does not require self-disclosure of
    personal information beyond what is required for applying to our
    fellowship.

## Postdoctoral Training Staff

**G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC:**

***Ted Bennett, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Bennett is a staff psychologist at the
GVSMVAMC and holds a without

compensation (WOC) appointment as an Assistant Professor in the
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the UMMC. He received his
Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Mississippi in 2004 and
completed his predoctoral internship at the Central Arkansas Veterans
Healthcare System. He also completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in
Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation at the Methodist Rehabilitation
Center in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2006, he joined our staff at the
GVSMVAMC bringing us a wealth of clinical knowledge and experience in
regards to neuropsychological and psychological services to adults with
traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. As an educator, he has
significant experience supervising trainees at different phases in their
development including psychology trainees (undergraduate and graduate)
and medical students and residents. He looks forward to spending a
minimum of 4-6 hours per week training and supervising postdoctoral
fellows. His research interests are in the areas of ecological validity
of neuropsychological testing, assessment of effort in
neuropsychological testing, assessment of functional abilities in
dementia and brain injury patients, and psychotherapy with patients
suffering from impaired awareness.

***Randy S. Burke, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Burke is a staff psychologist at the
GVSMVAMC and holds a without compensation (WOC) appointment as an
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
at the UMMC. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Virginia Tech in
1999 and completed his predoctoral internship and postdoctoral
fellowship at the UMMC/GVSMVAMC Consortium. He has worked as a staff
psychologist at the GVSMVAMC since 2000 and serves as the coordinator of
the SC-MIRECC Clinical Education Grants Program. His research interests
include tobacco cessation and co-occurring disorders with a specific
emphasis on the interrelationships between substance use and anxiety
disorders.

***Patricia Dubbert, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Dubbert is a clinical health
psychologist with more than 25 years of VA experience. She is currently
the Clinical Director of Psychology and Associate Chief of the Mental
Health Services, and Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at the
University of Mississippi School of Medicine. She is also the Jackson
site coordinator for the Southeast Central MIRECC. Dr. Dubbert received
a Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1982 and completed her
internship training at the Jackson VA Medical Center/University of
Mississippi Medical Center Psychology training consortium. Her current
clinical work includes serving as the behavioral health consultant to
the facility's MOVE! Obesity treatment program, the Bariatric Surgery
Team, and other surgery programs. She has been actively involved in VA
and NIH funded research throughout her career, with an emphasis on
health promotion, chronic disease and disability prevention, and health
disparities. Her recent publications include studies on exercise and
physical activity, obesity, hypertension, and hazardous drinking. She is
currently a co-investigator for the NHLBI funded Jackson Heart Study, an
observational study of cardiovascular disease in more than 5000 African
Americans living in the Jackson MS metropolitan area. Dr. Dubbert enjoys
mentoring trainees in clinical practice, research, and
administrative/organizational psychology.

***Jocelyn Shealy McGee, M.S.G., Ph.D.:*** Dr. McGee has been a staff
psychologist at the GVSMVAMC since 2007 where she oversees the Home
Based Primary Care (HBPC) Behavioral Health Program. She holds a WOC
appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry
and Human Behavior at the UMMC. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical
Psychology from Fuller in 2002 (APA) after completing her Predoctoral
Internship at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (APA).
Postdoctoral fellowship training in Clinical Neuropsychology was
attained at Baylor College of Medicine (APPCN) and in Geropsychology at
the Aging Treatment Studies Program of Palo Alto Veterans Health Care
System. Additionally, she holds an MS in Gerontology from the Institute
of Gerontological Studies at Baylor University (1995). She has extensive
clinical experience providing neuropsychological and psychological
services to older and medically ill adults and views families as
important participants on the treatment team. As an educator, she has
significant experience providing clinical supervision, didactic
training, and university level coursework to psychology students (e.g.
undergraduates, graduate students, interns/residents, and fellows) and
to individuals at various levels of medical training (e.g. medical
students, interns, residents, and fellows). Dr. McGee enjoys mentoring
her students and assisting them in striving to reach their goals. Her
primary research interests include spirituality and health/mental health
outcomes, stress/coping in caregivers of medically ill older adults, and
cognitive aging/dementia.

***Jefferson D. Parker, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Parker is a Supervisory
Psychologist at the GVSMVAMC and Assistant Professor in the Department
of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the UMMC. He completed his
predoctoral internship at the Florida Mental Health Institute,
University of South Florida and received his Ph.D. from the University
of Maine in 1993. He has worked in the ADTP at the GVSMVAMC since 1993
and has been the Team Leader since 1999. He has been involved in various
capacities with the South Central MIRECC since 2000. In addition to his
administrative and supervisory duties, Dr. Parker devotes time to
research, training, and other professional activities inside and outside
the VA. He is currently Co-Investigator on a 3-year multi-site VA HSR&D
grant examining ways to improve continuity of care following primary
substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Dr. Parker has additional
research interests in contingency management, brief interventions, and
the psychometric properties of standardized measures utilized with
persons entering SUD treatment.

***Daniel C. Williams, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Williams joined the GVSMVAMC in
2007, where he is a staff psychologist and the Outpatient Operations
Manager in ADTP. He also has a without compensation (WOC) appointment as
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
at the UMMC. He completed his predoctoral internship at the North Texas
VA Health Care System and received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the
University of Memphis in 2007. His research interests include
psychotherapy process and outcome, qualitative research methods, and
psychopathology.

**University of Mississippi Medical Center:**

***Ed Manning, Ph.D.:*** Dr. Manning is a staff psychologist at UMMC and
holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Neurology. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of
Mississippi. His current research interests include cortical mapping in
epilepsy, assessment of minimally conscious patients, and forensic
assessment.

***Judith R. O\'Jile, Ph.D.:*** Dr. O'Jile is a staff psychologist at
UMMC and holds an appointment as an Associate Professor in the
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. She is a neuropsychology
consultant at the GVSMVAMC and has worked with VAMC staff in clinical
and research activities. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
with a Neuropsychology Specialization at Louisiana State University in
1997. She completed her internship at the VAMC in Portland, Oregon and a
2-year fellowship at Dartmouth Medical College. Current research
interests include dementia, driving, head trauma, and neuroimaging.

## Trainees

For our first postdoctoral fellowship class which will begin in the July
of 2008-2009, we have successfully recruited 2 new fellows. The
addictive disorders fellow received a PhD in Clinical Psychology from
the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed a predoctoral
internship at the UMMC/VA Clinical Psychology Residency Training
Consortium.

The neuropsychology / geropsychology fellow received a PhD from West
Virginia University and predoctoral internship was completed at the
North Georgia/South Georgia Veterans Health System where he stayed on
for postdoctoral fellowship training in geropsychology.

## Local Information

Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi, is a rapidly growing urban
center situated in the heart of the Sunbelt. In addition to serving as
the political center of Mississippi, Jackson is also the social and
cultural capital of the state. The Mississippi Arts Center, in downtown
Jackson, was opened to the public in 1978. Encompassed in this
contemporary facility is the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Russell C.
Davis Planetarium, and the Thalia Mara Hall for the performing arts,
site of the International Ballet, the only one of such competitions held
in the United States. Jackson hosts regular performances by Ballet
Magnificat and the Atlanta Ballet. Other venues for indulging fine arts
interests include the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera,
and local stage groups such as New Stage Theater. For those who enjoy
Rock and Country-Western music, the 10,000 seat Mississippi Coliseum
regularly schedules big name entertainment groups.

Jackson and Mississippi offer many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The mild winters in the Deep South make it ideal for athletic pastimes
year round. Many trainees and staff have enjoyed playing with local
tennis, golf, and softball teams. Located just 15 minutes north of the
Medical Center, the 30,000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir has excellent
facilities for boating, sailing and fishing. Also, there are dozens of
accessible state parks where visitors can enjoy canoeing, boating and
hiking.

The Norman C. Nelson Student Union at UMMC has a food court, bookstore
and recreation and fitness facilities which are available to our
psychology trainees. The fitness center is open Monday through Thursday
from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.; Friday 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; and Sunday 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tennis, golf,
and racquetball facilities are also located near the Medical Center
campus. Local health clubs provide swimming pools, aerobics classes,
Nautilus and other fitness machines, racquet sports, and an outdoor
jogging trail. A modern YMCA is only minutes from the complex and offers
extensive recreational facilities.

For college football enthusiasts, Mississippi is populated with football
fans and enthusiastic alums from several major college teams. Jackson
State University plays a first-rate football schedule at the Mississippi
Memorial Stadium, just across the street from the Medical Center campus.
Mississippi State and Ole Miss offer SEC football and basketball about 2
hours away. We also have a local minor league baseball team, the
Mississippi M-Braves.

The distinctive Southern life style, both present day and antebellum, is
a cultural and historical experience that makes a lasting impression on
those who visit the historic landmarks. The mansions of Natchez, the
Natchez Trace, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Mynelle Gardens in
Jackson evoke strong sentiments of generations past. Natchez, Vicksburg,
and the Gulf Coast offer the entertainment and glitter of casino
gambling. The Mississippi Gulf Coast and barrier islands are just 3
hours away, easily accessible for a weekend of beach fun, deep sea
fishing, or casino gambling. New Orleans is also a quick 3 hour trip
away directly south on I-55. Finally, events such as The Delta Blues
Festival, Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, Jubilee Jam, and the
International Gumbo Cook-off and Festival are held annually in
Mississippi. Jackson is also the site of the annual Mississippi State
Fair in early October. Memphis is only a 3 hour jaunt due north and
offers another great opportunity for a weekend getaway.