Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Neurocritical Care Fellowship offered by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is recognized as one of the top programs in the U.S. for Neurology & Neurosurgery. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training for fellows through rigorous and hands-on experiences, facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of experts in the field.

The fellowship is accredited by both the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS), ensuring the highest standards in medical education and training. Within the program, fellows benefit from state-of-the-art care provided by board-certified neurointensivists, nurse practitioners, and residents from various specialties including neurology, neurosurgery, and anesthesiology 1.

Training and Curriculum

The training curriculum comprises a two-year program for graduates from ACGME-accredited residency programs in neurology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, pediatric critical care, or child neurology. There are also one-year tracks available for fellows who have completed fellowship training in relevant specialties such as anesthesia critical care or surgical critical care. This curriculum includes extensive clinical experiences in a variety of procedures, such as airway management, central and arterial line placement, bronchoscopy, lumbar puncture, and both transcranial Doppler interpretation and continuous EEG interpretation 1.

Fellows will experience clinical rotations primarily in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU), committing 12 months of their training here. Additional rotations may occur in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Medical Intensive Care Unit, and with available elective time dedicated to research or clinical rotations involving stroke service and neuroradiology 7.

Educational Opportunities

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in multiple educational conferences, including weekly didactics specific to neurocritical care, neurovascular conferences, and general neuroscience grand rounds. These opportunities are supplemented by designated journal clubs and protected educational time to prepare for board examinations 5.

Research Training

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, as fellows collaborate as co-investigators on clinical trials focusing on neurocritical care. The program actively encourages those interested in research careers to dedicate time towards investigator-initiated research projects, fostering a rich environment for the pursuit of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences 6.

Application Information and Requirements

Prospective fellows are required to submit applications through the SF Match for Neurocritical Care. One key eligibility criterion is that candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program. Applications undergo a virtual interview process from March to June, promoting a structured selection of suitable candidates. The program values diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a supportive and collaborative environment for all fellows 4.

Notably, the program is also welcoming to individuals from various backgrounds, including DO and international medical graduates (IMG). Their competitiveness level reflects a commitment to academic and clinical excellence, grounded in a Highland ethics in medical training.

Visa Support

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offers visa support for international applicants, allowing them to apply for J-1 or H-1B visas to participate in the fellowship program. This support is vital for fostering a diverse learning environment enriched by varied perspectives and experiences in healthcare 2.

Facility and Location

The fellowship takes place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which is renowned as a Level 1 trauma center located in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles. It holds the distinction of being one of the first facilities in the nation to achieve a Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, underscoring its commitment to providing top-tier care for patients with complex neurological needs 1.

Alumni Success

The fellowship has cultivated a significant roster of successful alumni who have advanced in various esteemed positions throughout the medical field. Graduates from the Neurocritical Care Fellowship can be found in influential roles across institutions throughout the U.S., contributing to the ongoing development of neurocritical care 8.