Jul 1, 2005
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program
Overview
The Neurological Surgery Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is recognized among the top programs in the United States for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This program is designed to train future academic neurosurgeons who are expected to be not only technically skilled but also compassionate and deeply dedicated to advancing the field of neurosurgery. The faculty comprises experienced clinicians and researchers in a wide range of specialties related to neurological surgery, ensuring that residents receive a comprehensive education that incorporates both clinical practice and valuable research experience.
As part of the training, the residency program offers significant exposure to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, enhancing residents' learning experiences. Moreover, residents benefit from training in a renowned regional Level 1 trauma center where they are exposed to a high volume and diversity of surgical cases, which is beneficial for their clinical training. Each resident is also supported by a dedicated team that includes physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nursing staff, ensuring optimized patient care and learning.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Neurological Surgery Residency is structured over a seven-year period and involves the following components:
- 2 months of general surgery during the first year (PGY-1)
- 60 months of clinical neurosurgery
- 3 months of neurology
- 3 months of electives
- 12 months dedicated to basic science and laboratory research
- 12 months of chief resident responsibilities
This diverse curriculum ensures that residents acquire a rounded skill set necessary for their future roles as leaders in neurosurgery.
Research Opportunities
Research is an integral aspect of the training program, with residents encouraged to engage in both basic science and translational research efforts. The program supports various research initiatives, allowing residents to contribute to advancements in neurosurgery while developing their research skills.
Application Process
Candidates interested in applying to the Neurological Surgery Residency at Cedars-Sinai are subject to a rigorous selection process. While specific details about the application requirements are provided through official channels, potential applicants should be aware that the program seeks individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and dedication to the field.
Visa Sponsorship
The Neurological Surgery Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offers visa support for international medical graduates. The program sponsors the J-1 visa and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified candidates from around the world have the opportunity to receive training in neurosurgery.
Competitiveness and Inclusiveness
This residency program is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates including international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from various medical backgrounds, including those holding DO degrees.
Unique Aspects
Cedars-Sinai's Neurological Surgery Residency stands out due to its commitment to excellence, patient-centered care, and cutting-edge research. The faculty members are not only practitioners but are also deeply involved in various academic pursuits, ensuring that residents receive mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders in neurosurgery.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 (7 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 22, 2026)
Composition [2]
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:75% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.3X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 5 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 28 days [1]
First Year Salary: $90,062 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 28 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 80 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:1 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
No rotation duration data available.
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
No 2026 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
No data available for USMLE
STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
Clinical and Economic Burden of Poor Bone Health in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Multicenter Cohort Study.
Superficial Siderosis and a Spinal Cord Cleft.
Location
Los Angeles, CA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Los Angeles, CA
Crime rate and safety
Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
Fun activities
Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
Climate
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
Races and population
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
Education
Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
Proximity to bigger cities
Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
Pros
- Exciting cultural opportunities
- diverse culinary experiences
- access to beautiful beaches
- great weather
- and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Cons
- High cost of living
- traffic congestion
- air pollution
- and housing affordability challenges.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Neurological surgery Programs Near Los Angeles, CA
Other specialties near Los Angeles, CA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1600513124
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/0de6053c-34c8-9678-a145-2cea6b9de78d
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr