DETROIT -- The accredited clinical training program in neuropsychology at Wayne State University leads the nation in the number of graduates who have achieved "diplomate" status in clinical neuropsychology.

The honor, a designation of professional competency awarded by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, signifies that professionals receiving the recognition have been subjected to rigorous peer review, and the type and extent of training meets appropriate standards.

Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships, with particular focus on thinking, language and other higher-level cognitive functions.

The announcement of Wayne State's standing was made by researchers from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kan., at the recent meeting of the American Psychological Association.

The research study found that more current diplomates (5.6 percent) were trained at WSU than at any other institution. Next closest was the University of South Dakota, with less than half that percentage.

Researchers Joseph Ryan and Shane Lopez noted in their report, "The disparity between Wayne State University and the other training sites is noteworthy and leads to the impression that this institution is 'dominant' in terms of the numbers of graduates who have obtained diplomate status in clinical neuropsychology. . . Surely, the unique mixture of teaching faculty, departmental emphases and the affiliated institutions accessible to students for clinical and research training played a role."

The WSU doctoral program has produced twice as many board-certified neuropsychologists as any other university in the country.

Douglas Whitman, program director, says this success is due in part to a program of course work and clinical experience that has been stable for many years. He also cited the university's location in the Detroit metropolitan area, where medical institutions have large neuropsychology departments that offer opportunities for training and experience.

The majority of students in the clinical training program are supported through arrangements with clinical facilities in the area.

"Our neuropsychology students have a naturally occurring clinical laboratory within which to conduct research and develop clinical skills at these placements" Whitman points out. "So our graduates go on to internships and jobs with excellent academic training, good research experience and a great deal of clinical experience."