Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is an ACGME-accredited program designed for graduates of an accredited neurology residency program, with an emphasis on clinical training and research in the management of cerebrovascular diseases and stroke.

Program Overview

The fellowship comprises 12 months of clinical training, with the possibility of reapplying for a second year, subject to evaluation. The program is structured to provide extensive exposure to clinical stroke management and the latest advances in stroke technology, encompassing both inpatient and outpatient experiences.

Core Components

Fellows undergo comprehensive training which includes:

• Rotation through the outpatient stroke clinic
• Participation in the acute and inpatient stroke service
• Experience on the stroke consultation service
• Work in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Training in Telestroke

Rotations

In addition to clinical duties, fellows will also engage with interdisciplinary teams across various specialties, including:

• Neuroradiology
• Neurovascular surgery
• Neuropathology
• Medical oncology
• Pediatric neuro-oncology
• Palliative care

This rotation structure allows for a multi-faceted learning environment and exposure to multiple strokes and cerebrovascular disorders, with over 500 stroke patients admitted annually to the service.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship includes significant involvement in clinical research, with opportunities to participate in ongoing multicenter clinical trials and original research projects. Fellows are expected to contribute to the program’s research activities in cerebrovascular disease treatment and stroke prevention, gaining valuable insights into current methodologies and practices in stroke care.

Training Environment

BIDMC provides a robust training environment backed by a comprehensive stroke registry and continual involvement in FDA-approved clinical trials. This ensures that fellows get cutting-edge insight into clinical protocols and methodologies in the field.

Curriculum

The curriculum is carefully designed to provide extensive training in evaluating stroke patients. Specific goals include:

• Managing critically-ill neurological patients
• Ordering and interpreting required laboratory and imaging tests
• Developing capabilities for independent management of stroke cases
• Understanding basic research techniques and biostatistical analyses

Fellow Responsibilities

The fellow will be immersed in hands-on patient evaluation, providing coverage for the stroke service both during the day and through night call while on duty. Responsibilities will include evaluating patients in the Emergency Department and managing outpatient clinic sessions. Feedback will be regularly provided, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes continual improvement.

Eligibility and Application

Applicants must have completed a neurology residency and demonstrate strong academic qualifications. The application should include documentation of credentials alongside an interview process that assesses fit for the program. Previous fellows have successfully transitioned into notable positions across various institutions, underscoring the fellowship's reputation and training quality.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program stands out due to its rigorous approach to training in vascular neurology, fostering skills in both acute clinical settings and research methodologies that are essential for future leaders in the field. The collaborative nature of the program, characterized by close relationships with attending physicians and other subspecialties, further enriches the fellowship experience.

Overall, the Vascular Neurology Fellowship at BIDMC provides an in-depth opportunity for comprehensive training in stroke and cerebrovascular care, equipping fellows with the necessary skills to excel in their future careers.