Pediatric Specialty Clinics at Eastern Maine Medical Center
The Pediatric Specialty Services at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, Maine provide consultation, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of complicated conditions in a supportive, family-oriented environment. The fellowship-trained and board certified pediatric specialists are supported by psychologists, counselors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, physical therapists, audiologists, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, therapeutic dietitians, and administrative staff. The Pediatric Specialty Clinics deal with cancer and blood disorders, birth defects, genetic conditions, metabolic disorders, developmental disabilities, diabetes mellitus, pediatric endocrine disorder, and other complex disorders.
NH LEND program trainees at the University of Maine attend clinical rotations at three of the eleven Pediatric Specialty Clinics at EMMC: the Developmental Evaluation Clinic, the Developmental Education Team Clinic, and a Psychology/Medical Clinic. The Developmental Evaluation Clinic provides interdisciplinary evaluation services for medically complex infants and preschoolers (ages birth-5 years old), including metabolic and genetic disorders, autism, pervasive developmental disorders, attention/learning disorders, and attachment disorders. The Developmental Education Team Clinic evaluates school-aged children with complicated medical/developmental disorders, including autism, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, and other low-incidence disabilities. The Psychology/Medical Clinic evaluates 3-6 year old children. LEND trainees observe at the clinics, attend and participate in team meetings, and attend the meetings with the parents.
New Partnership with the Institute on Disability’s Center for START Services
NH LEND is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Center for START Services. The Center for START Services was founded in 2009 at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment) is a national initiative that strengthens efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs in the community. The START model offers proactive, clinically based consultation and training for crisis prevention and intervention. For more information, visit www.centerforstartservices.com.
The partnership will provide the opportunity for NH LEND trainees and fellows to conduct clinical rotations with the NH START project, and provide an important introduction to the mental health needs of individuals with disabilities. The trainees and fellows will work closely with the NH START coordinators to help prepare for Clinical Education Team trainings as well as with referrals to the NH interdisciplinary consult team/clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, NH.
“This relationship allows future leaders to develop a broader understanding of what is needed to promote positive health and mental health practices. We’re honored to be part of this important partnership,” says Dr. Joan Beasley, Director of the Center for START Services, a program within the IOD.
NH LEND gratefully acknowledges the following partners who provide clinical and leadership training opportunities for our trainees and fellows.
