Boston University Medical Center Program
Location:
Boston, MASpecialty:
Neurocritical care (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5502418002The Neurocritical Care Fellowship at Boston University Medical Center (BUMC) is a distinguished two-year fellowship that combines clinical training, academic rigor, and research opportunities in the field of neurocritical care. This fellowship is accredited by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). BUMC serves as a tertiary care, Level One Trauma Center, providing comprehensive services to critically ill patients in the Boston area.
Each year, the Neurocritical Care service at BUMC treats approximately 500-600 patients presenting with complex neurologic conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, large territory strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, status epilepticus, neuromuscular emergencies, CNS infections, and CNS tumors as well as postoperative care for neurosurgical patients. Fellows gain firsthand experience managing these diverse and critically ill patients under the mentorship of five board-certified, fellowship-trained neurointensivists, ensuring that they develop essential clinical skills necessary for their future careers.
The program is structured to combine intensive clinical training with a robust educational curriculum. Educational activities include weekly Neurovascular conferences, Clinical Neuroscience Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Conferences, and multi-disciplinary journal clubs, collectively promoting a deep understanding of contemporary clinical challenges faced in neurocritical care.1
Research Opportunities
BUMC emphasizes not only clinical excellence but also research. Fellows are provided with substantial research support and mentorship, which guides them through the processes of hypothesis generation, manuscript writing, and presenting their findings at national conferences. The mentors, recognized for their contributions to the field, are actively involved in research projects and are well connected with neurointensivists nationwide. This networking adds an invaluable dimension to the fellows' training experience.1
Eligibility and Application Process
To be considered for the Neurocritical Care Fellowship at BUMC, applicants must be graduates of residency programs in neurology, neurological surgery, internal medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, child neurology, or emergency medicine that are accredited by the ACGME or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). The program typically conducts virtual interviews from February through June, and highly qualified applicants will be invited to schedule an interview with the program office.1
Visa Sponsorship and Benefits
BUMC provides visa support for applicants requiring J-1 visas or similar types of visas appropriate for medical training. Fellows can expect a comprehensive range of benefits and stipends as detailed on the BMC web pages, contributing to the overall experience and financial stability during the fellowship.1
Competitiveness of the Program
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship is highly competitive, attracting medical graduates from leading residency programs. This competitiveness underscores the program's reputation and the quality of training it offers, making it suitable for both fresh MDs and those with a DO or those who are international medical graduates (IMGs), provided they meet the program's stringent eligibility criteria.1
Website
Director
Anna M Cervantes-Arslanian, MDFellowship Director and Division Chief of Neurocritical Care Appointed Since July 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$87,850First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Boston, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Boston, MA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.
- Fun Activities: Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.
- Climate: Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.
- Races and Population: Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.
- Education: Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.
- Pros: Rich history, cultural diversity, top educational institutions, vibrant arts scene.
- Cons: High cost of living, higher crime rate in certain areas.
Interview Questions
