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. 

Comprehensive clinical training + hands-on fellowship experience at Tufts Medical Center

Fellows in our program gain extensive clinical experience across a variety of settings serving children with developmental and behavioral needs. You’ll rotate through interdisciplinary clinics such as the Early Childhood Clinic, LEAP Program and NICU Follow-Up, providing care for conditions like autism, ADHD, learning differences and developmental delays.

Our team-based care model allows close collaboration with specialists in psychiatry, psychology, genetics, physiatry, social work, speech and language therapy and more. This approach gives you a well-rounded view of complex cases and helps you develop tailored treatment plans for each child.

These clinical opportunities sharpen your skills in assessment, diagnosis and management while supporting family-centered care. You build expertise in diverse neurodevelopmental conditions and work with children across ages and developmental stages.

Core clinical experiences

Our core clinics provide hands-on training in key areas of developmental-behavioral pediatrics. You’ll work closely with interdisciplinary teams to assess and treat children from infancy through adolescence. These clinics offer a rich variety of cases and help you build essential skills in evaluation, diagnosis and family-centered care.

• Early Childhood Clinic (ECC): An interdisciplinary clinic co-directed by speech and language pathology and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Fellows develop skills in history taking, developmental assessments, and communication with toddlers and preschool children and their families. Training includes standardized testing and compassionate delivery of diagnostic findings to guide treatment plans.
• Learning, Education and Attention Program (LEAP): Focused on school-age children, this clinic is co-directed by social work and developmental-behavioral pediatrics and includes rotations with neuropsychology and speech/language interns. Fellows enhance interview and assessment skills and learn to collaborate with schools, community services, and behavioral health providers.
• Fellows clinic: Provides continuity of care for patients diagnosed in ECC and LEAP clinics, allowing fellows to develop counseling, medication management, and decision-making skills. Fellows also mentor residents and other trainees in this setting.

Elective opportunities

Our elective rotations let you explore specialized areas based on your interests and career goals. These experiences deepen your knowledge and broaden your clinical skills by exposing you to subspecialties like genetics, psychiatry, rehabilitation and school-based care.

• Neonatal follow-up clinic: A multidisciplinary setting collaborating with Newborn Medicine, where fellows evaluate children who have experienced prematurity or early health challenges and learn early developmental assessment tools.
• Medical genetics: Combines clinical experience and independent study to build understanding of genetic conditions, testing, and counseling relevant to developmental-behavioral pediatrics.
• Child and adolescent psychiatry: Includes independent study, clinical rotations, and interdisciplinary conferences. Fellows gain exposure to psychiatric disorders and psychopharmacology through teaching clinics and inpatient consults.
• Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation: Fellows learn to manage neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments through clinical rotations at specialized rehabilitation facilities.
• School rotation: Offers firsthand experience working with school systems, educational law, and consultation to support children’s learning and social-emotional development.

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.

How to apply to the developmental-behavioral pediatrics fellowship at Tufts Medical Center

Applications to the Tufts Medical Center Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

We participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Please refer to their website for match dates and deadlines.

We conduct a holistic review of applications and look forward to connecting with you.

Our developmental-behavioral pediatrics faculty, fellows + successful alumni

Our faculty are national leaders in developmental-behavioral pediatrics who bring deep expertise, warmth and curiosity to their work. Fellows work closely with physicians, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, educators and other specialists who are committed to improving care for children and families.

We’re a small, collaborative team that values mentorship, innovation and advocacy. Fellows receive personalized guidance and build strong relationships across disciplines. Many of our faculty are active in research, policy and medical education, offering fellows the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and interests.

Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in academic medicine, clinical leadership, research, advocacy and education. Whether they’re leading programs, shaping policy or providing care in diverse communities, they carry forward our shared commitment to advancing developmental-behavioral care.

Our people share a deep commitment to advancing health equity, supporting families and shaping the future of developmental-behavioral pediatrics. You’ll be part of a team that listens closely, thinks creatively and always puts the needs of children first.

Faculty

Erik von Hahn, MD
Expertise: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, School consultation and collaboration
Clinical Titles: Division Chief, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center
Academic Titles: Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine

Carol Baumgupta, MD
Expertise: Early Childhood and School-Aged Children, Literacy
Clinical Titles: Director of Training, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center; Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Academic Titles: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine

L. Kari Hironaka, MD, MPH
Expertise: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Resilience
Clinical Titles: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Lynne Kramer, MD
Clinical Titles: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Monica Ultmann, MD
Expertise: Autism, Literacy, Developmental Disabilities, Developmental-Behavioral
Academic Titles: Clinical Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine

Kathleen Reilly, SLP, MS, MA
Expertise: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Diagnostics of Language Learning Disorders, Communication Disorders, Child Apraxia of Speech, Autism, Literacy, Pragmatics
Academic Titles: Clinical Instructor, Tufts University School of Medicine

Kayla McOsker, LICSW
Expertise: Child Mental Health, Early Childhood Development, Autism, ADHD, Community Resources
Clinical Titles: Clinical Social Worker

Comprehensive clinical training in pediatric neurodevelopment in Boston

Our fellowship offers an immersive training experience designed to develop skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate clinicians in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Fellows gain hands-on experience diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions including autism, ADHD, learning differences and developmental delays. Training takes place in diverse clinical settings such as the Early Childhood Clinic, LEAP Program and NICU Follow-Up.

You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team that includes psychiatry, psychology, genetics, social work, speech and language therapy and more. This team-based approach prepares you to deliver thoughtful, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

The program combines direct clinical care with weekly didactics, case conferences and journal clubs to deepen your knowledge. You will have protected time for research, advocacy and academic projects, fostering your growth as a clinician and scholar. Our goal is to support you as you develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in this specialized field.