Build meaningful research skills in developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Scholarly work is a key part of our developmental-behavioral pediatrics fellowship at Tufts Medical Center. We support each fellow in designing and completing research projects that can lead to better care for children with developmental and behavioral needs. Whether you’re interested in clinical research, advocacy, education or quality improvement, we’ll help you build the skills to pursue your goals.
You’ll get structured support and dedicated time to move your project forward. Here’s how we help you grow throughout the fellowship:
First year: Build a foundation
You’ll explore potential research topics and meet with mentors to shape your ideas. You’ll also:
- Learn core research methods through didactic sessions
- Choose a scholarly project that matches your interests
- Form a research oversight committee
- Develop your research plan and submit to the IRB if needed
- Have two months of protected research time
Second year: Make progress
This is your time to collect data, analyze findings and prepare to share your work. You’ll:
- Have four months of protected time to advance your project
- Meet regularly with your research mentors
- Present research updates to peers and faculty
- Have the chance to present at regional or national meetings
Third year: Share your impact
You’ll focus on completing your project and preparing it for publication or presentation. Fellows typically have six months of protected time for research and also:
- Prepare and submit a manuscript
- Practice presenting findings to professional and lay audiences
- Complete any follow-up or translational work based on your results
We’re here to help you ask important questions, design meaningful studies and share what you’ve learned with the wider community.
Advancing knowledge through research
The Center for Children with Special Needs (CCSN) supports a culture of curiosity, reflection and open questioning within a team-based setting. We aim to give trainees the skills they need to become the next generation of clinical scientists. We focus on promoting innovation, knowledge and evidence-based care in behavioral and developmental pediatrics. We are also dedicated to providing high-quality care for the families we serve and actively work on quality improvement projects that enhance patient experience and support the unique needs and well-being of our community. Our faculty, clinical staff and trainees are passionate about pursuing research and projects that matter to them. They regularly share their findings at professional conferences like the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP), Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and International Neuropsychological Society (INS).
Recent + active projects by faculty + trainees
Presented at the 2023 Maternal Child Health Bureau Annual Meeting:
- “Validating measures and unpacking differences in service use for diverse children with autism” – Yanira Belen Espinosa, MD
- “Sexuality and relationship education for teens with autism spectrum disorder” – Irmina Stec, MD
- “Self-harm behaviors and comorbid mental disorders in children with ADHD: A nationwide study” – Yu-Hsun Amy Wang, MD
Dr. Yu-Hsun Amy Wang was recently awarded a NIH-funded TL1 appointment through the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, supporting her cross-disciplinary research training and academic development.
Quality improvement + community impact
We’re also committed to creating systems that improve care and the family experience. Our fellows and faculty have led projects like:
- CARE Parent Support Group: A weekly virtual parent group designed for families and caregivers who have recently been through an evaluation at out center and are seeking out information, mentorship and connection in supporting the needs of their neurodiverse family members
- PATH Program (Promoting Adolescent Transitions in Health Care): Supporting youth and their families in identifying their personal goals and needs as they prepare for the transition to adult healthcare and services.
