Psychology Internship

Research and Training

A major goal of this internship is to develop professionals who are able to integrate science with clinical practice and who are dedicated to advancing our understanding of the biopsychosocial model of health and disease. In order to fulfill this requirement, all interns are required to be involved in a clinical research activity throughout the year. One day (or two half-days) per week is reserved for the intern to conduct clinical research activities. All interns participate in ongoing research investigations with clinical faculty. Faculty members within the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, and College of Health Professions have engaged in funded research projects, have published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and have presented scholarly work to national and international professional organizations. Early in the internship, interns and faculty meet to discuss the research interests of the interns and to identify ongoing research projects that are amenable to intern participation.  Expectations of intern research include:  1) presentation of such research at the annual College of Health Professions Research Day in May; 2) presentation of the completed research project to the internship faculty; and 3) submission of such research to a peer-reviewed journal by year’s end.  In the past, interns have been offered the opportunity to engage in research in the areas of obesity, cognitive neuroscience, gerontology, smoking cessation, rehabilitation, public health, cancer treatment, trauma identification, childhood disease management, and disaster preparedness, to name but a few. These opportunities will only expand as the College and Health System recruit new faculty.  After the intern has selected a research project, a designated research preceptor will mentor and supervise the intern’s research experience throughout the year.  As part of research and clinical work, interns can access a range of libraries, computer facilities, statistical software, and support services within the Health Sciences System, College of Health Professions, Medical School, Dental School, and the main campus of Temple University. 

In the course of their normal responsibilities, interns are routinely called upon to assist in educating residents, medical students, dental students, and staff about psychology and psychological evaluation. Teaching opportunities include presentations at Grand Rounds, case conferences, seminars and workshops. Interns are urged to share their skills and expertise by developing their own workshops.