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Pre-doctoral
Internship in
Clinical
Neuropsychology
Contact the Director of Training for further information:
Dr. Erin Warriner
Hamilton Health Sciences
MUMC Site, 1C10
Box 2000, Station A
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5
Tel: (905) 521-2100 Ext. 75983
Email: warriner@hhsc.ca
Pre-doctoral Internship in
Clinical Neuropsychology
2014-2015 Program
Page 2
Contents
The Internship Setting
Core Rotations
5-7
Minor/Optional Rotations
7,8
Application Process
8,9
Training Staff
10
The Clinical
Neuropsychology
Internship Program is
accredited by the
Canadian
Psychological
Association
(2011-2015)
Contact:
Dr. Erin Warriner
Director of Training
Hamilton Health Sciences
MUMC Site, 1C10
Box 2000, Station A
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5
Tel: (905) 521-2100 Ext. 75983
Email: warriner@hhsc.ca
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Home to more
than more than half a million residents, Hamilton is situated at the western tip of Lake
Ontario midway between Niagara Falls and Toronto. It is the site of McMaster University,
known internationally for its innovative medical school and research programs and the home
of evidence-based practice. Hamilton has a rich cultural community with its own
professional theatre company, art gallery, and professional sports teams. The Royal
Botanical Gardens and the Bruce Trail are within minutes of the hospital sites.
HHS Mission: To provide excellent health care for the people and communities we serve and to
advance health care through education and research.
HHS Vision: Leaders in exemplary care, innovation and academic excellence.
2014-2015 Program
Page 3
Oct-Feb
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Inpatient ABIP
Inpatient ABIP
Edn/Research
1/2 day
Day 4
Day 5
OP Consult NP
ABIP OP
Treatment
Peds NP (3
mos)
ABIP OP
Treatment
OPConsult
NP 1/2 Day
Mar - Aug
Stroke IP
Peds NP
(3 mos)
Pain
Mgmt
(3 mos)
Edn/Research
1/2 day
Stroke
IP 1/2 Day
Pain
Mgmt
(3 mos)
Interns typically spend the first month reviewing and ensuring that they are trained up and
efficient in the administration and scoring of a variety of psychometric tools plus other
testing procedures, then move on to their various rotations. Although there are some core
requirements, within each of the rotations, interns may have the opportunity to set goals
and select experiences with their supervisors that meet their particular needs and
interests. Through the primary core rotations and minor rotations, interns will be exposed to
a wide variety of assessment and treatment experiences in diverse patient clinical and
cultural populations and have the opportunity to work with a variety of Psychologists,
interdisciplinary professionals on hospital teams and possibly community agencies. The
Clinical Neuropsychology internship program provides a supervised opportunity for the
integrated application of the theoretical, clinical, professional, and ethical knowledge and
skills acquired during graduate training. Interns are expected to develop core competence
in the neuropsychological and psychological assessment and treatment of patients with a
range of medical, psychiatric, neurological, behavioural, and emotional difficulties, and
more highly developed and independent skills in evidence-based psychological approaches.
Supervision in the acquisition and refinement of assessment, formulation, and therapeutic
skills is available in behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, group dynamics,
neuropsychological, and rehabilitation principles and techniques.
Program Philosophy
The Clinical
Neuropsychology
Internship Program,
like Hamilton Health
Sciences and the
McMaster University
Faculty of Health
Sciences, is committed
to a scientistpractitioner approach
to education and
practice which is clientcentered. As such, the
training of interns
emphasizes the use of
empirically supported,
evidence-based
assessment and
treatment approaches
as well as structured
evaluations of emerging
approaches and
individualized
interventions.
2009
Program
2014-2015
Program
Funding/Equipment
The internship positions are currently funded at just over $36,000 per year. Vacation pay
and benefits are paid in lieu of paid time off according to HR policies for temporary full-time
staff (i.e., interns receive a percentage paid out for each hour worked in place of vacation
time and benefits). Interns are provided with dedicated office space and technology and use
of current professional assessment materials and equipment.
Educational Opportunities
In addition to the clinical rotations, interns are expected to participate in regular educational
and research experiences during their internship year. A half-day per week is devoted to
these activities. Interns have an opportunity to come together with the interns from the
Clinical Child Psychology program and other learners (e.g., psychiatry residents) for a weekly
seminar series. A wide variety of topics are presented by staff Psychologists/Psychiatrists
and guest speakers from across the city (e.g., evidence-based clinical formulations, suicide
risk assessment, structured diagnostic interviewing, supervision, prep for the oral exams,
psychopharmacology, etc.). A regular series of ethics seminars are also held for interns to
provide an opportunity to discuss professional issues and jurisprudence and guide them in
preparation for the registration process with the College of Psychologists.
The Clinical Neuropsychology interns have other training and educational opportunities
specifically related to the neurosciences. This may include the availability of a seminar
course in behavioural neuroanatomy developed by one of the senior staff
neuropsychologists and opportunities to participate in a wide variety of other clinical and
education rounds in psychiatry, neurosciences/trauma and rehabilitation held throughout
the hospital system on a regular basis (e.g., Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Acute Stroke Rounds,
Neurology Teaching Series, Neuroscience Rounds, etc.). Interns may also enroll in the
McMaster University's Clinical Behavioural Sciences (CBS) program (part of the continuing
Faculty of Health Sciences education program), which provides allied health professionals
who are currently assessing and/or treating clients an opportunity to enhance their
knowledge and skills in individual, group, family and community assessment and
intervention. There are specialized courses in behaviour analysis, rehabilitation, family
therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic
therapy, psychological testing and supervision. These courses make use of multidisciplinary
small-group learning, selected readings, and/or assignments. Occasionally an intern
registers for one CBS course during the internship year (note that the course is completed
on the interns own time and there is a cost for the course). Courses are taught by staff
within the hospital system that have cross appointments with the university. Courses are
typically held weekly for 7-12 weeks and are divided into different levels.
Page
Page44
Training Model
Core competencies in
neuropsychological
assessment, treatment
and rehabilitation,
consultation, cultural
awareness, clinical
research and
professionalism are
delivered through
supervised rotations
in the direct provision
of clinical services.
Practical training is
complemented by
involvement in
interdisciplinary team
meetings, research
opportunities and case
conferences; as well as
formulation and
didactic seminars
provided by program
and hospital faculty.
CBS course
offerings available
to interns can be
viewed at http://
fhs.mcmaster.ca/
cbs/
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Program
2014-2015
Program
Page
Page55
Program Coordination/Supervision
In conjunction with the Director of Training, the Program Coordinator (who is a registered
Psychologist) is responsible for coordinating the interns schedules to ensure depth and
breath in their training and opportunities to meet the core requirements in assessment,
treatment and consultation. Interns interests and goals are taken into consideration for
optional rotations, though this depends to some extent on availability of supervisors/
opportunities in any given year. Supervisors for the various rotations will discuss objectives
and identify opportunities available within their rotations to offer interns a tailored
experience and work with them on their individualized goals/interests for the internship
year. The Director of Training and Program Coordinator ensure that the required depth and
breadth of experience is provided, that interns and their supervisors complete regular
progress evaluations, and that the intern's workload is manageable. A minimum of four
hours of direct supervision per week is provided. The aim is for interns to work toward
greater levels of independence in their skill set, diagnostics and clinical practice across
rotations. Interns will have exposure to a wide variety of supervisor styles and have
opportunities to develop their own supervision skills in interactions with non-registered
psychology staff and possibly supervising clinical psychology graduate students who are
completing practicum placements at Hamilton Health Sciences. Interns themselves are
provided supervision in this regard and seminars are offered on this topic.
Interns receive at
least 4 hours of
direct supervision
weekly throughout
internship. The aim
is for interns to work
toward greater levels
of independence in all
aspects of their
psychological practice
across rotations.
Evaluation
Regular formal review and evaluation of each intern's progress is scheduled four times
during the course of the program (mid and final for each of the core rotations). Interns are
expected to complete all of the core requirements defined for each of their rotations along with
the broader core competency areas (unless they have demonstrated previous proficiency in an
area or have been unable to complete a requirement based on availability of the experience).
Each of the intern's supervisors rates the intern on a range of functional competencies (e.g.,
assessment, consultation skills) and foundational competencies (e.g., interpersonal skills,
ethics). Supervisor evaluations must be rated as meeting expectations according to the
competency definitions by the end of the rotation. During the evaluation meeting, plans for
opportunities and experiences to meet core competencies and develop skills in the other
rotations will be discussed. If required, specific recommendations to remedy deficiencies in the
program or in the intern's progress are made. Summary results are forwarded to the graduate
department of the student's home university where appropriate. At the end of a rotation, the
interns provide formal evaluation of the program and supervisors.
Opportunities may
be available for
interns to develop
their supervision
skills in interactions
with non-registered
psychology staff and
practicum students.
2009
Program
2014-2015
Program
The Community Re-integration Unit (CRU) is an in-patient setting where interns work within a
multi-disciplinary team consisting of a neuropsychologist, physiatrist, neurologist, speechlanguage pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, behaviour
therapist, rehabilitation therapist, and registered nurses. Interns are responsible for
conducting neuropsychological evaluations to assist with treatment and discharge planning,
attending and presenting at case conferences, providing feedback regarding patients
neurocognitive, emotional and behavioural status at family meetings, developing scripts to
assist with rehabilitative efforts, and sometimes conducting individual treatment using
various modalities.
In the Outpatient Clinic, neuropsychology interns are involved in screening interviews and
neuropsychological assessments that are carried out to help secure appropriate services for
patients with acquired brain injuries. Interns are involved in offering individual and couple
therapy. Typical types of issues that are addressed in treatment involve post-concussive
symptoms, mood and anxiety, adjustment issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder/
symptoms. Interns may also work in collaboration with Outreach therapists, who under the
direction of psychology staff, design and implement programs in the community.
The Community Services Program (some of which is funded by third party insurance) is
designed to support patients living in the community who need assistance with life skills and
vocational retraining, and behavioural and emotional problems.
There is also the Slow To Recover program within ABIP where neuropsychology interns have
the opportunity to conduct assessments on a consultative basis with patients with complex
medical/neurological presentations.
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Program Mission
The HHS Clinical
Neuropsychology
Internship Program is
committed to preparing
interns to become
independent skilled
professionals and
critical thinkers in
clinical
neuropsychology. The
program seeks to
develop a level of
clinical and
professional competence
and independence
sufficient to prepare
interns for postdoctoral
clinical training or a
year of supervised
practice for registration
2009
Program
2014-2015
Program
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Interns participate in
three core services:
Adult Acquired
Brain Injury
Program
Integrated Stroke
System
Adult Outpatient
Consultation
Neuropsychology
Service
2009
Program
2014-2015
Program
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Page88
Application Process
Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program in clinical neuropsychology accredited by
the Canadian and/or American Psychological Associations. Students enrolled in programs
whose requirements are equivalent to those of CPA/APA accredited programs and those
students who have acquired comparable course work and practicum experience may be
considered depending on their level of competitiveness with applicants from accredited
programs. Students should have completed a master's degree (or equivalent), doctoral
course work, comprehensive examinations, and at least 600 hours of supervised
assessment and treatment practica. It is recommended that applicants have already
obtained substantial experience assessing and interviewing clients and administering
neuropsychological instruments.
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Program
2014-2015
Program
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Applicants are required to complete the standard online APPIC application, which includes:
The standard
APPIC application
forms can be
completed online at:
www.appic.org
The deadline for receipt of applications is November 1st. Questions about the application
process can be directed to:
Dr. Erin Warriner
Director of Internship Training
(905) 521-2100 ext. 75983
warriner@hhsc.ca
NOTE: Applicants should clearly indicate the internship program to which they are applying
Clinical Neuropsychology.
The Hamilton Health Sciences Internship program is a member of APPIC and the Canadian
Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP) and adheres to APPIC policy regarding
internship offers and acceptances. The internship participates in the APPIC Internship
Matching Program. All applicants must register with the National Matching Services
(www.natmatch.com/psychint) and/or APPIC (www.appic.org/) to be considered (Note: The
Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology programs at HHS have separate match
numbers). Completed applications are rated independently by the members of the
Internship Committee and are ranked. Candidates are notified by December 15 regarding
whether they have been selected for interview. The interviews will take place using a MultiMini Interview (MMI) format. All applicants invited for interview will be asked to be present
on-site at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre (Hamilton General Hospital) on Friday, January
17, 2014 for the day (lunch will be provided). This is the only date when all in-person
interviews will be conducted and no telephone interviews will be considered. Please
consider holding this date if you are interested in our program.
Prior to the February notification deadline, the committee meets one last time to confirm the
rank order. The matching process is completed through the National Matching Service.
HHS match number:
183013Clinical Neuropsychology
In accordance with federal privacy legislation (Personal Information Protection and
Electronics Documents Act) only information that is required to process your application is
collected. This information is secured and is shared only with those individuals involved in
the evaluation of your internship application. If you are not matched with our program, your
personal information is destroyed within four months of Match Day.
Further information on Accreditation can be obtained from the CPA Accreditation Office
141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 702,
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5J3
2009
Program
2014-2015
Program
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10
HHS Values
Respect: We will treat every person with dignity and courtesy.
Caring: We will act with concern for the well being of every person.
Innovation: We will be creative and open to new ideas and opportunities.
Accountability: We will create value and accept responsibility for our
activities.