By Arriane Kernes, Marc Shapiro and Laura Thornton
Every year, Kennedy Krieger Institute’s professional training programs welcome about 1,000 individuals from across the country and around the world to develop expertise in specialized areas focused on neurological conditions and developmental disabilities.
The Institute offers a total of 31 different training experiences, including the Nursing Training Program, the Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship and the Social Work Department’s MACRO Therapeutic Foster Care Internship. These training experiences can range in duration from just a few days to more than four years.
Here, we share stories about some of Kennedy Krieger’s training alums—what they trained in at Kennedy Krieger, where they’re working now, and how their Institute training prepared them for a career in serving individuals with neurological differences and disabilities.
We have some of the best teachers in the field, providing clinical supervision, research, mentorship and other types of training.” – Dr. Miya Asato
Where Are They Now?
More than 5,600 alums who trained at Kennedy Krieger over the past decade are serving patients, students and families all across the country—and around the world. Here’s where they’re making an impact.
Alums in Maryland: 3,852 Alums Across the U.S. 0–161 International Impact An additional 56 alums work in U.S. territories and other countries around the world.
Career-Changing Training
At Kennedy Krieger, training programs run the gamut of medical specialties, as well as social work, and emphasize clinical care, research and advocacy.
“We have some of the best teachers in the field, providing clinical supervision, research, mentorship and other types of training,” says Dr. Miya Asato, the Institute’s vice president of training.
Among the Institute’s signature training programs is the four-year Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) Residency Program, a unique opportunity that trains clinicians in child neurology, developmental pediatrics and neuroscience.
Read about four training alums now serving patients and families across the country.
Opportunities That Keep on Giving
For many of the Institute’s trainees, Kennedy Krieger leaves the particularly lasting impression of being the perfect place to stay on at and build one’s career. It’s not uncommon for trainees to transition into permanent roles at the Institute directly out of their training, or to eventually come back as faculty members at some point in the future.
“It is important to note that many people who have trained at Kennedy Krieger have stayed on as faculty,” says Dr. Jacqueline Harris, director of the Epigenetics Clinic at Kennedy Krieger, who first came to the Institute as a trainee in the NDD residency program.
“That speaks to the Institute’s unique place in the country—and the world—as far as the care of [the] individuals [we serve],” she adds. This can be attributed to various factors, one of the most prominent being the esteemed environment fostered by colleagues, new and longtime alike.
Read about four training alums now working at Kennedy Krieger as faculty members.
Stay in Touch!
A trainee’s connection to Kennedy Krieger doesn’t end when they complete their training program. Through The Dock, the Institute’s networking website for training alums, former trainees can get updates about new research at the Institute, clinician and faculty openings, conferences, and more.
If you’re a training alum, visit The Dock to join today.