Neurology Epilepsy/Headache Externship

The Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program (CPEP) provides services to a diverse population of children and adolescents who are diagnosed with epilepsy. The epilepsy rotation involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team that provides services to a diverse population of youth diagnosed with epilepsy. Disciplines include neurology, surgery, neuropsychology, family support and psychology. 
 
The Headache Program is a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, psychologists, neurology fellows, medical students and nurses who collaborate as a team to evaluate, diagnose and treat children and adolescents with various headache conditions. 
 
CPEP

Externs have the opportunity to participate in short- and long-term therapy, as well as consultation and presurgical evaluations for youth diagnosed with epilepsy. Outpatient treatment cases present with a range of concerns, including:

• Coping with illness/medical intervention
• Medical adherence
• Mood and anxiety concerns

Consultations include meeting with children/families around the time of diagnosis, during the presurgical evaluation process and as inpatients during/following medical interventions (e.g., MRI, vEEG, SEEG, surgery). The epilepsy team is multidisciplinary, so externs will have the opportunity to coordinate care with physicians and neuropsychologists. An emphasis is placed on cognitive and behavioral therapy approaches, although there is also an integration of acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness strategies. 
 
Headache Program

The externship includes interdisciplinary evaluation/consult clinics and short-term individual therapy, as well as opportunities to collaborate with care teams and schools. Training will be provided in pediatric psychology and pain management with an emphasis on pain-focused cognitive behavior therapy. Externs will also have the opportunity to gain skills in behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other mindfulness approaches. Treatment targets include improving functioning, adherence to medical recommendations, and increasing coping skills in the context of pain. Trainees will leave externship with experience working in multi-disciplinary teams within a medical setting and utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches that are highly transferable to other pediatric populations.

Applicants must be in at least the third year of a doctoral program and have prior practicum experience with child and adolescent assessment and therapy. Experience with pediatric populations is desired but not required. Preference will be given to advanced doctoral students with a strong knowledge of psychopathology and evidence-based interventions including CBT.

One extern will be recruited for this externship.

Please send a letter of interest, CV/resume and two letters of recommendation via email with the subject "Neurology Externship" to: 

Perrine Heymann, PhD | Email
Rebecca Neshkes, PhD | Email

Interested applicants should also complete this survey one time, regardless of how many externships you are applying for.

• Children's National Montgomery County - 9850 Key West Ave, Suite 314, Rockville, MD 20850 (CPEP rotation; telehealth is possible for this day)
• Children's National Prince George's County - 2900 North Campus Way, Lanham, MD 20706

• CPEP Rotation
  • Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Services are conducted via telehealth and in-person at the Children's National Montgomery County.

• Headache Program Rotation
  • Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

It is anticipated that this externship will start in July 2026 and end in June 2027.