Postdoctoral Training Program

Clinical Neuropsychology Program

The Neuropsychology Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in conjunction with Children's Health℠ Children's Medical Center Dallas, offers postdoctoral training in adult and pediatric clinical neuropsychology. The Program is designed to prepare neuropsychologists using APA Division 40/INS and Houston Conference training guidelines. While there is an emphasis on clinical assessment, continuous involvement in some of the many ongoing research projects in neuropsychology is expected. Both the adult and pediatric tracks offer exposure to a wide array of patients with known or suspected brain disorders and include inpatient and outpatient settings throughout the medical center. The orientation to neuropsychology reflects a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, using tailored assessments built around selected core measures.

• Overview

  Our Neuropsychology Program is a non-match, 2-year, full-time (~2000 hrs/yr), post-doctoral fellowship, beginning annually in September, with a focus on assessment and research related to dementia and aging. Our primary objective for this graded fellowship is to offer training experiences culminating in a highly qualified, board-eligible neuropsychologist for practice and research in the care and treatment of patients with a variety of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on cognitive disorders of aging.

  Fellows receive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and actively participate in novel ADRD-related research, making them highly competitive for jobs in academic medical settings focusing on dementia. Fellows also provide inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological services to a wide patient population, including other dementias, epilepsy, brain tumors, aneurysms, strokes, head trauma, chronic pain, auto-immune disorders, movement disorders, psychiatric conditions, and a variety of other medical disorders.

  Our clinical training model follows an evidence-based approach consistent with the traditional medical training model and Houston Conference and Minnesota Guidelines. Our fellows receive educational, observational, and experiential learning opportunities across various neurological populations. Our program meets all requirements for post-doctoral training and experience for licensure in Texas and board certification in Neuropsychology.

  The primary clinical training site will be the UT Southwestern Neuropsychology Clinic, where fellows are involved in assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and conveying results to patients, their families, and referral sources. Fellows spend 50% time in educational and research activities, including attending various interdisciplinary clinical conferences, such as in the UT Southwestern ADRC, staffing for diagnosis and research participation, clinicopathologic correlation meetings and brain cutting, clinical trial updates, monthly neurodegeneration interest group meetings, grant writing workshops, and research meetings, with dedicated time to develop and pursue individual research. Additionally, fellows participate in rotation-based conferences, such as a neuromodulation conference for deep brain stimulation of patients with movement disorders, neurovascular conference through neurosurgery, and epilepsy surgery conferences in which fellows present cases and are exposed to various neurodiagnostic techniques.

  Additional rotations and training sites include inpatient neuropsychological and neurobehavioral consultation at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Clinic, where fellows conduct pre/post NPH drain evaluations, outpatient behavioral neurology clinic, and pre-surgical cognitive evaluations for various neurosurgical populations.

  Neuropsychology and neurology faculty supervise clinical work from a variety of perspectives. Fellows receive a minimum of 2 hours of face-to-face supervision per week, often more, and supervisors evaluate fellows via a standardized evaluation form twice per year. The training director conducts a formal review at the end of each year of the fellowship to examine progress on goals and opportunities for growth. Grievance and disciplinary procedures follow policies outlined by the UT Southwestern Medical Center Graduate Medical Education office.

• Goals

  Projected goals, supporting foundational and functional neuropsychological competencies, include:

  • Advanced knowledge of functional neuroanatomy, dementia, and related fields of study
  • Advanced neuropsychological assessment and interpretation skills, including use of interpreters
  • Ability to communicate with patients and families about their diagnosis and cognitive abilities
  • Intervention skills to enhance patient cognitive compensation strategies
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to convey empirical knowledge to lay and professional audiences via presentations and peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience and training in grant writing
  • Teaching and supervision skills with graduate students and junior fellows
• Scope

  Rotations

  Individual rotations vary depending on training, experience, and areas of interest, for example:

  • Outpatient Neuropsychology Clinic
  • Neuromodulation/Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Epilepsy
  • Inpatient/Outpatient Neurosurgery/Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
  • Inpatient Neuropsychological Consult Service
  • Outpatient Behavioral Neurology
  • Sports Concussion
  • Teaching/Supervision
    
    

  Didactics

  Through observation and individual training, fellows receive exposure and applicable instruction in neuropsychology, other neurodiagnostic techniques, and behavioral neurology via:

  • Weekly Neuropsychology Seminar
  • Brain Cutting
  • ABPP prep course (meets twice/month for 2 years)
  • Grand Rounds from Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • ANST specialty lectures in conjunction with doctoral program
  • O’Donnell Brain Institute Lectures
    
    

  Research

  We encourage fellows to develop their unique line of research with guidance. Fellows have access to large databases and receive 50% protected research and education time. They are expected to actively engage in research, submitting work for presentation at conferences and for peer review, with at least one first-authored presentation and publication submitted per year and submission of at least one grant application by the end of fellowship. Opportunities for involvement in new dementia-related grant applications involving our multidisciplinary faculty are provided, and consultation on statistics and grantsmanship is available. Example opportunities:

  • Risk factors for dementia
  • Neuromodulation as a treatment for MCI/dementia
  • Linguistic/speech analysis for detection of cognitive impairment and predict progression
  • Dementia risk in psychiatric populations
  • Test development
  • Dementia phenotypes
  • Impact of head trauma on later cognitive impairment
  • Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment
    
    

  Community Engagement

  Our fellows function as an integral part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, funded by the UT Southwestern National Institute on Aging, and provide community talks related to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

  Teaching/Supervision

  The second year of the fellowship includes a teaching rotation in which fellows are responsible for supervising a graduate student, teaching a neuropsychological assessment lab to doctoral psychology students, and teaching various classes and lectures at the graduate level.

• Applications

  Applicants are expected to have completed a doctoral degree in psychology from an American Psychological Association approved program with an emphasis in neuropsychology.

  Interested individuals should email Laura Lacritz, Ph.D., ABPP, Neuropsychology Training Director, a single PDF combining: a) statement of interest; b) CV; c) writing sample; d) transcript; and e) verification of expected degree completion.

  Applications also must arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be emailed directly to Dr. Lacritz.

  The annual application deadline is December 15. Interviews are conducted virtually in December or January.

• Salary, Benefits, and Outcomes

  Salary

  Our competitive salary is approximately $62,000 in year 1, with a slight increase in year 2, in keeping with the levels of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

  Benefits

  Fellows receive full health care coverage (medical, dental, vision benefits available) and have access to the Bryan Williams, M.D., Student Center, Resident Wellness and Counseling, as well as to the Office of Institutional Opportunity, Career Development Services, and Academic Support Services.

  Fellows also receive retirement benefits with cost sharing, generous vacation accrual (paid leave and parental leave options), and support toward travel expenses to a national conference, as well as access to online journals, test databases, and scoring software.

  Dallas life features culture (around 7 million residents), restaurants (more per capita than New York City), entertainment, art (America's largest art district), outdoor activities (~232 sunny days/year), sports (five professional teams), music, and much more, with a low cost of living.

  Outcomes

  • Advanced neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based intervention, teaching, and supervision competencies consistent with Houston/Minnesota Conference Guidelines
  • Experience serving diverse populations through culturally responsive assessment skills
  • Ability to communicate with patients and families about their diagnosis and cognitive abilities
  • Readiness for independent practice and ABPP-CN board certification
  • Scholarly presentations, publications, or programmatic research contributions
  • Recent attainment of clinical neuropsychologist positions in academic medical centers, hospital systems (of geographical choice), private and forensic practices
  • Experience and training in grant writing
  • Teaching and supervision skills with graduate students and junior fellows

  Past fellows have obtained academic faculty appointments and secured funding through NIH, state, and local sources of support.

• Faculty

  UT Southwestern has more than 25 neuropsychology faculty members, who are affiliated at Parkland Hospital, Children’s Health, Andrews Institute, and the North Texas VA. They have a broad range of research and clinical interests and take a team science approach in collaborative environments.

  Fellowship Faculty Leaders

  Laura Lacritz, Ph.D., ABPP

  Director, UT Southwestern Neuropsychology, Neuropsychology Training Director

  Dr. Lacritz is a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Director of Neuropsychology, and the Division Chief of Psychology. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association Division 40. Her research has focused on novel methods to advance early detection of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and movement disorders. This includes using linguistic and cognitive biomarkers for detection of cognitive impairment, and identifying methods to predict progression of impairment and long-term outcomes. Service to the profession and mentorship have been cornerstones of her career. She served on the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Board of Directors for 8 years, including as President (2015-2016) and Treasurer (2011-2013). She established the NAN Leadership and Ambassador Development (LEAD) program in 2018. Dr. Lacritz was recognized in 2020 with the NAN Distinguished Service Award, and has received many other service and teaching awards, including the 2024 UT Southwestern Excellence in Leadership Award for Mentoring.

  Caitlin Reese, Ph.D., ABPP

  Neuropsychology Assistant Training Director

  Dr. Reese is board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. As the Neuropsychology Assistant Training Director, she mentors and supervises trainees at the graduate, intern, and fellowship level. She is also active in clinical practice, teaching, peer-mentorship, and research. Relevant training has included an undergraduate major in psychology and minor in neuroscience (Miami University), master’s degrees in clinical psychology and forensic psychophysiology, doctoral internship (neuropsychology track) at the Minneapolis VAMC, and two-year postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation. Research interests have primarily focused on performance validity.

  C. Munro Cullum, Ph.D., ABPP

  Vice Chair, Psychology, Research Supervisor

  Dr. Cullum is a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurological Surgery. He is Vice Chair, Psychology, in the Department of Psychiatry and holds the Pamela Blumenthal Distinguished Professorship in Clinical Psychology. He is the Senior Neuropsychologist of the O’Donnell Brain Institute and primary investigator of Concussion-Texas (ConTex), serves as the Scientific Director of the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium, and is the Clinical Core Co-leader in the UT Southwestern Alzheimer's Disease Center. He is a past president of the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the Sports Neuropsychology Society. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and mentorship in neuropsychology. His research includes investigations into short- and long-term effects of concussion and early detection and differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions of aging.

  Robert Ruchinskas, Psy.D., ABPP

  Clinical Supervisor

  Dr. Ruchinskas is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He is board certified in both Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology and a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. His clinical expertise is in neuropsychological assessment, with particular interest in working with individuals who have dementia. His research interests focus on differentiating normal from abnormal aging, ethical issues in aging, and coping with chronic diseases.

  Deborah González, Ph.D.

  Clinical Supervisor

  Dr. González is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She is a clinical supervisor and organizes the neuropsychological trainee didactic seminar. She specializes in epilepsy, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and other cognitive disorders, with an emphasis on bilingual assessments. Dr. González earned her master’s degree in psychology and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology at Albizu University in Miami, Florida. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

  Kaltra Dhima, Ph.D.

  Clinical Supervisor

  Dr. Dhima is Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN) and Assistant Professor. She is a graduate of the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas - Doctoral Clinical Psychology program and completed the Cleveland Clinic - Clinical Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship.

  Jeffrey Schaffert, Ph.D.

  Clinical and Research Supervisor

  Dr. Schaffert is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. He completed his doctoral and residency training at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Clinically, he sees outpatients in the UT Southwestern Neuropsychology Clinic and inpatients at Clements University Hospital. He has published on risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, but his primary research interest relates to impact of head-injury exposure and later-in-life cognitive decline and cognitive phenotypes of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

  Christian LoBue, Ph.D.

  Research Collaborator

  Dr. LoBue is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurological Surgery who specializes in neuropsychological assessment and management of behaviors related to concussion, more severe traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and cerebrovascular disorders. His research interests focus on informing what role traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, may play in developing cognitive problems later in life and investigating noninvasive brain stimulation as a potential treatment for the cognitive problems associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. LoBue has received research funding from the Alzheimer’s Association, Department of Defense, NIH, and other organizations. He serves as an editorial board member for Frontiers in Psychiatry, a committee member of the Research and Editing Consulting Program of the International Neuropsychological Society, and a grant reviewer for the Alzheimer's Association and on the research grants panel of the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Lifespan Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Neuropsychology

The Children’s Health Andrews Institute / University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Lifespan Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sports Neuropsychology (APPIC #9243) was established in 2019. This unique fellowship opportunity provides a comprehensive training experience with exposure to the assessment and treatment of acute sport-related concussions as well as more traditional neuropsychological assessments in accordance with the Minnesota Conference guidelines, preparing trainees for board certification in neuropsychology with specialty training in sports concussion.

• Program Details

  The CHAI Sports Concussion Program is a high volume, fast-paced clinical experience with a multidisciplinary team of sports medicine specialists employing advanced clinical care with an individualized approach to assess, diagnose, and treat sport-related concussions for athletes at all levels of play, from youth athletes through professional levels. Sports neuropsychology fellow duties include brief neuropsychological evaluations of pediatric and adult athletes, along with extended batteries as needed. In addition to serving athletes, CHAI receives referrals for non-sports related concussions for children as young as 4 years old through college.

  The program is housed in the Children’s Health Specialty Center 2 on the 180-acre Children’s Health Plano Campus. The facility offers a full continuum of care including an imaging center, pediatric orthopedic surgery center, physical therapy gym, and sports performance with equipment including a HydroWorx pool and underwater treadmill, 60-yard outdoor turf with 6-lane sprint track, ground-level Olympic lifting platforms, and a Harlequin dance floor. The Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Lab (OSMRL) includes 2D and 3D motion analysis, force plates, accelerometry, electromyography, and isokinetic dynamometry.

  In addition to the Plano location, CHAI has facilities in Frisco, Prosper, and Fairview, with future expansion planned across North Texas. Sports neuropsychology fellows may travel to additional locations with their supervisors.

  UT Southwestern Medical Center is a large, cutting-edge medical system that includes the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (ranked the #1 hospital in Dallas) and partners with other major teaching hospitals in the Southwestern Medical District, including Children's Health℠ Children's Medical Center Dallas and Parkland Health and Hospital Systems.

  At UT Southwestern, fellows have opportunities to provide neuropsychological services in adult concussion/TBI clinics, in addition to gaining training and experience with populations including epilepsy, moderate head trauma, chronic pain, psychiatric conditions, and a variety of other medical disorders.

  Children’s Health Andrews Institute is located in Plano, TX, about 20 miles north of Dallas. North Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, with easy access to professional sports, a vibrant art community, restaurants and night life, as well as ample parks and green space. Sports fans can check out the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys at The Star in Frisco, take in an MLS game at Toyota Stadium, and practice putting at the PGA Headquarters. Legacy West in Plano offers an outdoor shopping experience with restaurants and apartments 5 minutes down the road. Those looking for a more urban living experience can be in Dallas in 25 minutes with access to a lively arts scene, the Dallas Stars and Mavericks games, more than 23,000 acres of parks with nearly 62 miles of trails, as well as numerous indoor and outdoor music venues. With easy access to both DFW airport and Love Field, North Texas is an accessible, affordable, and fun place to live.

• Scope of Program

  Rotations

  The joint fellowship calendar runs on 6-month rotations. The first 6 months include 4 days/week at CHAI, with 1 day/week at UT Southwestern, providing new fellows with an intensive training experience in pediatric sports concussion. The second 6-month rotation includes 3 days/week at CHAI, with 2 days/week at UT Southwestern. This schedule repeats in year 2. UT Southwestern fellow rotations are customized to fellows' background, experience, and interests.

  Fellows work closely with clinical providers and current fellows at CHAI to learn all aspects of clinic functioning. In addition to learning the clinical interview, administration of the vestibular/ocular-motor screening, and interpretation of computer-based neurocognitive testing, fellows learn general clinic operations and all aspects of working in a multidisciplinary sports medicine clinic. At UT Southwestern, fellows learn more traditional neuropsychological evaluation with a variety of clinical populations.

  Clinical Training Model

  The educational model of the fellowship is scientist-practitioner, emphasizing evidence-based clinical training. Fellows participate in a variety of didactic and training activities designed to promote advanced knowledge and competency in neuropsychology. Specifically, fellows participate in:

  • Monthly Concussion Seminar Series
  • Monthly Concussion Case Conferences
  • Monthly Concussion Journal Club
  • Concussion Research Meetings
  • Quarterly Distinguished Lecture Series
  • Weekly Neuropsychology Didactics
  • ABPP Written Exam Board Certification Prep Class
  • Weekly Brain Cutting
    
    

  In addition to clinical and educational activities, the CHAI Sports Concussion Program has a large clinical patient research registry that fellows are involved with from the beginning of fellowship. Fellows are expected to participate in research through existing research projects and the development of independent lines of research. Support for research training and production is provided through individual and group supervision with the research team.

  Fellows are expected to spend approximately 80% of their time focused on clinical work and 20% of their time on research. A minimum of 2 hours of face-to-face supervision will be provided per week, though often more. The program meets all requirements for post-doctoral training and experience for licensure in Texas and board certification in Neuropsychology. Fellows will be evaluated quarterly, with performance and grievance policies in place, if needed.

  Outreach

  A unique aspect of the CHAI training program includes a sideline experience for sporting events across North Texas. Fellows receive training in sideline assessment from their supervisors and spend the fall season paired with a CHAI Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician to learn all aspects of sideline sports medicine. This experience provides invaluable insight into the role of the sports neuropsychologist within the larger sports medicine system. In addition to this experience, there are opportunities for fellows to engage with community groups and provide concussion education throughout the year.

• Annual Salary

  The annual salary is commensurate with NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship guidelines for the first year and increased to $65,000 for the second year. Fellows receive full health care coverage, retirement benefits with cost sharing, generous vacation accrual, and an educational fund that may be used for conference travel expenses and psychology licensure expenses.

• Applying to the Fellowship

  Applicants are required to demonstrate experience in clinical neuropsychology through coursework, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must complete an American Psychological Association approved pre-doctoral internship and all degree requirements prior to their start date.

  The application deadline is November 21, 2026. Interviews will be offered as applications are received and reviewed, at a future date to be determined.

  Interested individuals should email Sarah Brackens, ATC, LAT, Fellowship Program Coordinator, a single PDF combining: a) statement of interest; b) CV; c) graduate transcript; d) de-identified work sample.

  Applications also must arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be emailed directly to Sarah Brackens.

  Direct additional questions to Erin Reynolds, Psy.D., CHAI Program Director, Concussion & Sports Neuropsychology, CHAI Fellowship Training Director (Email), and to Laura Lacritz, Ph.D., ABPP, UT Southwestern Neuropsychology Training Director (Email).

• Faculty

  UT Southwestern Faculty

  • Laura Lacritz, Ph.D., ABPP, Neuropsychology Training Director
  • C. Munro Cullum, Ph.D., ABPP, Research Supervisor
  • Christian LoBue, Ph.D., Research Collaborator
  • Caitlin Reese, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Supervisor
  • Deborah Gonzalez, Ph.D., Clinical Supervisor
  • Jeff Schaffert, Ph.D., Clinical Supervisor

  CHAI Sports Concussion Program Faculty

  Erin Reynolds, Psy.D.

  Program Director, Concussion & Sports Neuropsychology Fellowship Training Director

  Dr. Reynolds is a fellowship-trained sports neuropsychologist and serves as Program Director of Concussion & Sports Neuropsychology at Children’s Health Andrews Institute. Her clinical work includes consultation with primary and secondary schools, colleges, and professional teams on the evaluation and treatment of sports-related concussions. Dr. Reynolds serves as the team neuropsychologist for the NFL Dallas Cowboys, MLS FC Dallas, WNBA Dallas Wings, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of North Texas. She sits on Concussion Oversight Teams for school districts across North Texas, helping to develop and oversee district concussion protocols. Dr. Reynolds earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from William James College in Boston. She completed an APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at the Bedford VA Medical Center followed by a fellowship in sports neuropsychology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Program, where she went on to become faculty and Fellowship Director. She completed the Marshall W. Webster Physician Leadership Program through the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz School of Business in 2016. Dr. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of the team approach and active recovery models in her clinical work. Her research focuses on improving clinical outcomes through the application of targeted treatments and behavioral strategies, identifying risk factors to inform individualized treatment plans, and the early introduction of physical and cognitive activity following sport-related concussion. A mother of two student-athletes, she is passionate about the benefits of playing team sports in childhood and adolescence.

  Sarah Boucher, Psy.D.

  Neuropsychology Clinical Supervisor

  Dr. Boucher is a fellowship trained clinical neuropsychologist with a subspeciality emphasis in sports concussion. Dr. Boucher received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. She completed an APA-accredited neuropsychology internship at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts. She then completed the Lifespan Fellowship in Sports Neuropsychology at Children's Health Andrews Institute and UT Southwestern, where she gained experience assessing developmental, neurological, psychiatric, and complex medical conditions. In her current role, she passionately strives to help patients and their families through the concussion recovery process to return them back to the sports and activities they love as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Boucher was raised in New Hampshire and was a former cheerleader and youth cheerleading coach in her community before relocating to Texas. Her passion for the sport has served as a driving
  force in her clinical and research efforts with the goal of improving assessment and treatment of concussion in cheer athletes. Her research interests include identifying the unique factors in cheerleading that may impact concussion recovery. She remains active in the cheer community and enjoys swimming, spending time with her family and friends, attending live music events, and exploring Texas.

  Troy Smurawa, M.D.

  Director of Pediatric Sports Medicine

  Dr. Smurawa is a Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) physician and currently serves as Director of Pediatric Sports Medicine at Children's Health Andrews Institute. Dr. Smurawa is passionate about helping young athletes overcome injuries and return to the sports and activities they love. Board-certified in both pediatrics and sports medicine, Dr. Smurawa earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center and did his residency in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. He completed a sports medicine fellowship at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Smurawa is certified by USA Triathlon and USA Cycling as a multisport coach and has served as a team doctor for the USA Triathlon World Championships teams for the past 20 years. He has competed in more than 30 marathons, 6 Ironman Triathlons and countless other races. Dr. Smurawa, his wife and three daughters enjoy playing sports and being active, as well as spending time giving back to the community, taking regular mission trips together.

  John Abt, Ph.D.

  Director of Research

  Dr. Abt is the Director of Research for Children’s Health Andrews Institute and the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research Lab (OSMRL). The research lab was created to support the overall mission of Children’s Health “to make life better for children.” The OSMRL focuses on musculoskeletal injury and concussion in the interconnected domains of injury prevention, treatment/rehabilitation and performance optimization. Over the last 20 years, Dr. Abt has served as a co-investigator or principal investigator on $50M in extramural federal funding, and he has published in high-impact journals that are prominent in the sports medicine fi eld. Dr. Abt previously served as the Director of the Sports Medicine Research Institute at the University of Kentucky and Associate Director of the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

  Kori Durfee, Ph.D.

  Clinical Scientist

  Dr. Durfee joined CHAI in January 2026 as a primary researcher within the CHAI Sports Concussion Program. In addition to leading program research efforts, Kori serves as a research mentor for clinical post-doctoral fellows and helps fellows establish independent lines of research.

Psycho-oncology Post-doctoral Fellowship

UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, an NCI-designated institute, offers a supervised, 12-month, post-doctoral fellowship in Psycho-oncology. The Psycho-oncology team at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center places a high value on treating the mental health needs of cancer patients within the context of academic medicine. Fellows receive specialization training in all facets of Psycho-oncology, including assessment, intervention, interdisciplinary consultation-liaison work, didactic instruction within and outside psycho-oncology, supervision training, collaboration with oncology specialties including outpatient palliative care, and psycho-oncology research. Training in multicultural assessment and empirically supported treatments are emphasized, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, Supportive Psychotherapy, and Brief Dynamic Therapy. Opportunities to engage in Group Therapy modalities are also available.

• Training Opportunities
  • Provision of direct clinical services (in-person and via telehealth), including consultation and triage, diagnostic intake assessments, both brief and longer-term psychotherapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention, within an NCI-designated cancer center
  • Frequent opportunities to consult with allied health professionals, such as Oncology Palliative Care and the UTSW Addiction Psychiatry Clinic and Complex Pain Clinic, among others
  • Opportunities to work with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds involving complex, intersecting diversity factors, such as cancer patients from rural communities in Texas who often experience substantial barriers to treatment due to physical isolation and low SES
  • Participation in weekly administrative team meetings, weekly case consultation meetings, didactic training, and other multidisciplinary meetings as needed
  • 2 hours minimum of weekly supervision by faculty supervisor, including the opportunity to receive supervision-of-supervision of established doctoral practicum students and/or interns. The team prioritizes structured, formal feedback of clinical skills with supervision aimed at deep conceptualizations of patients and their symptoms. Psycho-oncology faculty currently include 4 full-time psychologists, all of whom are interested in mentorship and support for the postdoc
  • Supervision training opportunities, via interactions with interns that are part of our captive APA-accredited Internship program and/or practicum students in our APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral program
  • Opportunities for clinical program development (e.g., building group therapy treatment options, improving systems to address care access concerns)
  • Administrative duties as assigned, including patient triage and brief consultation and refining timely documentation practices in the electronic medical record (EPIC)
  • Encouragement to participate meaningfully in our established, tiered Psycho-oncology research team, composed of faculty and graduate dissertation students and both graduate and undergraduate research assistants, with opportunities for presentation, publication, and mentorship
  • Teaching and guest lecturing opportunities within the Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Cancer Center, and/or other UTSW or local organization outlets
  • Access to multiple educational and employee support opportunities through UTSW (e.g., multiple grand rounds, wellness events, specialty celebrations, discounts for local products and entertainment events)
• Typical Schedule
  • 40 hours per week, primarily onsite at two UTSW cancer treatment centers, located in Dallas and Fort Worth
  • Approximately 70% of time spent in direct clinical care activities (including documentation and consultation) and would include a combination of therapy intake sessions, brief consultations, individual therapy, and, on occasion, psychological testing, which is typically reflected in 20-25 scheduled hours of direct clinical care per week
  • The remaining 30% of time is intended for research, program development, continuing education, supervision training, and/or teaching activities, depending on the fellow’s specialty interests
• Requirements
  • Applicants must be current Ph.D. or Psy.D. candidates in good standing, with an anticipated degree completion date of August 2026, including completion of dissertation well in advance of the post-doctoral fellowship start date
  • Prior training experience in health psychology and/or medical settings (oncology-specific experience is desired but not mandatory)
  • Future career interests in academic medicine and/or research interests in health/medical psychology are preferred
  • Applicants with a doctoral degree award date of August 2026 or later should obtain a letter of attestation from the college Dean stating that the applicant has completed all the degree requirements
  • Experience with providing diagnostic assessment and brief, empirically supported therapy
  • Commitment to providing multicultural counseling and conceptualizing from multiple perspectives
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population of patients, families, and medical team professionals
  • Dedication to learning about the field of Psycho-oncology within academic medicine
• Application Process

  The 12-month term position will begin approximately Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (flexible start date), and finish August 31, 2027.

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2025.
  • Interested individuals should prepare:
  • current CV
  • cover letter that includes a statement of interest
  • 3 letters of reference:
  • 1 from the current clinical training director of the graduate program
  • 1 from a clinical supervisor at a medical/health-oriented rotation
  • 1 from a current internship supervisor
  • Email these items to Laura Howe-Martin, copying Elida Godbey

  UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex, including sexual harassment; age; disability; genetic information; citizenship status; and protected veteran status. In addition, it is UT Southwestern policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression

• Benefits
  • Salary competitive with current NIH post-doctoral fellowship funding standards (currently $61,008+)
  • Financial stipend ($1500) for conference travel and/or continuing education, as well as 7 full workdays of allocated leave time for professional development
  • Access to full-time employee benefits, including access to employee health insurance, dental/vision, retirement options, paid vacation/sick leave, employee discounts, and wellness benefits, among other benefits (e.g., UTSW employee benefits)
  • UTSW is a designated non-profit institution that may qualify as a valid employer for individuals seeking certain types of Public Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Multiple opportunities to apply for open psychology faculty positions at UT Southwestern after completion of post-doctoral year
  • Protected time to pursue licensure and/or board-certification process
  • Living in the vibrant and diverse urban metroplex of Dallas/Fort Worth
• Psycho-oncology Faculty
  • Laura Howe-Martin, Ph.D., ABPP
  • Ashley Neduvelil, Ph.D.