Research Externships

Psychosocial Endocrinology & Abdominal Transplant

Externship Supervisor

Todd Doyle, PhD

Associate Professor

Learn more about Dr. Doyle

Externship Location

Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences
Loyola University Medical Center 
2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153

Start Date

Available July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 – 15-20 hours per week

Externship Research Practicum Description

This is an opportunity for interested graduate students to gain experience and exposure to clinical research in an academic medical setting under the supervision of Todd Doyle, PhD. The student will participate in ongoing data collection, data entry, and data management for several research studies.

Students will gain experience with various phases of research and psychological assessment measures, and the student will have the opportunity to attend weekly didactic meetings held by the department of psychiatry to review topics and clinical issues relevant to the field. The practicum position typically involves some direct patient contact.

Dr. Doyle’s research interests focus broadly on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of depression among adults with type 2 diabetes. In recent years, he has examined the role of chronic, low-grade inflammation as a potential biological mechanism linking diabetes and depressed mood.

The novelty of this work has garnered much attention in recent years and he has authored/co-authored several manuscripts in this area and in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging and the Diabetes Prevention Program.

One of his current projects examines the efficacy of a novel anti-depressant for the treatment of depressive symptoms among patients with type 2 Diabetes. Dr. Doyle is also routinely involved in the examination of psychosocial risk factors and patient outcomes within individuals preparing to undergo abdominal surgery.

Interested students can submit:

1. A letter of interest
2. CV
3. Two letters of recommendation

The research practicum is a rolling application and remains open until filled.

Please note: this is a research-focused position for advanced psychology pre-doctoral student. This position is completely separate from the advanced clinical psychology practicum offered by Dr. Doyle.

Applications can be sent electronically to todddoyle1@lumc.edu – Phone: (708) 216-4303

Psychosocial Oncology

Externship Supervisors

Patricia Mumby, PhD

Associate Professor 
 

Learn more about Dr. Mumby

Sarah Thilges, PhD

Associate Professor 

Learn more about Dr. Thilges

Externship Location

Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center 
Loyola University Medical Center 
2160 S. 1st Avenue, Building 112 
Maywood, IL 60153

Start Date

July 2021 – 8-16 hours/week

Externship Research Practicum Description

This is an opportunity for interested graduate students to gain experience and exposure to clinical research in an oncology setting. The student will participate in data collection, data entry and data management for ongoing studies.

Experience with various phases of research and psychological assessment measures will be gained and the student will have the opportunity to attend weekly didactic meetings on the medical campus regarding clinical issues relevant to the field. Students also have the opportunity to create posters or other dissemination formats for research results.

Interested students should submit a complete application pack by January 15, 2021 for consideration. The application packet should contain:

1. A letter of interest
2. CV
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Graduate school transcripts (official or unofficial copy)

Complete application packets should be submitted via email to Dr. Mumby at pmumby@lumc.edu and Dr. Thilges at sarah.thilges@lumc.edu.

Neuropsychology Supplemental Research Practicum

This supplemental research practicum is an opportunity for students to learn the basics of research within an academic medical center.

Students will learn basic research techniques such as research design, drafting IRB protocols and data entry. Students will also actively be involved in a project involving data entry of neuropsychological data.

Opportunities for involvement in ongoing research projects within the department are also available. Students also have the opportunity to attend grand rounds, not only for psychiatry, but other departments as well. Students may also opt to participate in student journal clubs with other psychology students.

Additional Information

• This is a supplemental practicum with the opportunity. Students are expected to be on campus six to eight hours per week. This can be flexed over two days, or one day.
• This is a one-year opportunity starting 7/31/2021 and ending 7/31/2022
• Students are expected to have basic research skills (e.g., literature reviews, beginning understanding of research design)
• Students have the opportunity to utilize the data from the database to use for projects. This may be used for a scientific poster, dissertation or journal submission.

Additional questions can be directed to:

Brenda Swartz, PsyD

Assistant Professor: Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences 
Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation

2160 S First Ave 
Maywood, IL 60126

Email: brenda.swartz@lumc.edu