Curriculum + structure of the developmental-behavioral pediatrics fellowship at Tufts Medical Center
Our fellowship program is thoughtfully designed to build your skills step-by-step across three years. You’ll start by mastering foundational clinical evaluation and care, then gain independence while deepening research and leadership experience and finally tailor your training to match your career goals. This clear, progressive structure supports your growth as a confident, skilled developmental-behavioral pediatrician ready for clinical and academic success.
First year
The first year focuses on building foundational skills in clinical evaluation and care for children and families with developmental and behavioral concerns. After an intensive summer training series with hands-on practice, you’ll start a well-supported journey in patient care. You work closely with faculty in the Early Childhood Clinic (ECC) and LEAP clinic for school-aged children, learning developmental histories, exams, assessments and behavioral interviews.
Using shared decision-making, you’ll partner with patients, families and community resources to create personalized interventions. You’ll also begin behavioral management strategies, pharmacological therapies when needed and other treatments like speech therapy. First-year fellows also mentor residents and trainees.
This clinical work is supported by weekly didactics aligned with board requirements and cross-departmental conferences. Fellows have two months of protected research time to begin scholarly projects and submit IRB applications. A self-guided reading month may be provided to prepare for board exams.
Second year
The second year emphasizes growing clinical independence. Fellows spend much of their time in the Fellows Clinic, providing ongoing care and evaluating new patients more independently. You rotate through specialty clinics like School Consultation and NICU Follow-Up, with options in neurology, psychiatry, genetics and rehabilitation.
Mentoring first-year fellows strengthens your knowledge while developing leadership skills. Second-year fellows have four months of dedicated research time to advance projects, meet regularly with mentors and present at meetings.
You may also participate in the 10-month LEND program focused on leadership in neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Third year
The third year offers flexible training based on career goals, including completing scholarly projects and preparing manuscripts. Fellows typically have six months of protected research time.
You continue refining clinical skills in the Fellows Clinic, providing new evaluations, follow-ups, medication management and advocacy. Additional opportunities may include program administration, quality improvement and further subspecialty rotations. This year prepares you for independent practice or academic roles with strong clinical, research and leadership skills.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)
As part of your fellowship, you have the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. This interdisciplinary program focuses on policy, systems, and leadership skills that impact the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. During LEND, you’ll engage in seminars, projects, family partnerships, and research that deepen your understanding of service delivery and advocacy. Participation usually occurs in the second or third year, depending on your individual learning goals.
