Message from the Chief

Over 20 years ago, when I was searching for program, the UT Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship attracted me immediately because of its commitment to personalization, authentic friendliness, and strong relationship with pediatrics.

As a fellow, the program assisted me in understanding why I was passionate about Child Psychiatry, adjusting my journey to fit my needs, and providing me with experiences that both amplified my learning and helped me pursue my specific interests.

It also allowed me to live in Memphis, TN, which was affordable and had the best barbecue around. Memphis boasted a city park larger than NYC’s Central Park, the Mississippi River, a great Children’s Museum, and a world class zoo for my three daughters to enjoy. Not surprisingly, all of this has remained the same.

In truth, the opportunities that we provide have only expanded in the past 20 years, as I have come full circle, completing my fellowship training here in 1993 and now serving as Interim Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Because the fellowship has remained small, we have been able to listen and adapt to our fellows’ needs.

We now provide a wide range of experiences from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to our city school affiliated day treatment program and output experience. The city itself has gotten even better as well, with a greenway for cycling, a renewed focus on education, and a professional basketball team. It is easy to understand why I came and why I stayed. Thank you for your interest in our Child Psychiatry Program. Please feel free to email me at varnold@uthsc.edu with any questions.

Valerie K. Arnold, MD
Chief
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry