Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Program

The Child Neurology Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is designed as a five-year combined pediatrics and child neurology training program in partnership with the Pediatrics Residency at CHOP. The program aims to cultivate skilled leaders in child neurology through extensive training and resources that encompass both clinical and research aspects of the field.

The overarching mission includes:

• Providing world-class training that offers a profound depth and breadth of knowledge in child neurology.
• Equipping residents with tools and strategies for ongoing learning and critical appraisal in basic science, clinical research, and quality improvement practices.
• Offering career development opportunities through CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania's extensive resources, mentorship, and a network in both national and international neurology communities.

With a faculty comprising over 70 members, the program provides clinical expertise across multiple specialties, including epilepsy, stroke, neurocritical care, neuromuscular disorders, and neurogenetics among others, all of which take place in various clinical settings at CHOP's main campus and community sites throughout the region. Residents are not just passive participants; they engage in both basic and translational science research, clinical trials, and health service research 1.

Training Structure

The Child Neurology Residency is structured to meet the training requirements of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The residency consists of:

Pediatrics Training

The program includes options for two years of pediatrics training that precede neurology training, offering three pathways:

• Foundational Pathway: In this pathway, the PGY2 year includes rotations in the PICU, N/IICU, and inpatient cardiology, while allowing residents flexibility for research electives.
• Dual Board Eligibility Pathway: This pathway allows residents to pursue eligibility for both the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) general pediatrics certification and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certification.
• Modified Neuroscience Pathway: Primarily for MD-PhD trainees with a focus on research, granting time for research activities during the PGY2 year.

Neurology Training

Neurology training begins in the third year (PGY3) and encompasses:

• PGY3: Six months of adult neurology rotations combined with child neurology training.
• PGY4: Continued adult neurology training without in-house call and further child neurology rotations.
• PGY5: The final year spent primarily at CHOP, focusing on inpatient and outpatient rotations, teaching responsibilities, and the opportunity for research time.

Continuity and Outpatient Neurology Clinics

Child neurology residents participate in continuity clinics where they follow patients longitudinally, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their cases from diagnosis through treatment. Clinics are well-supported by various health professionals, ensuring that residents have the necessary resources for effective patient management 2.

Research Opportunities

All residents complete a mentored capstone project which can range from clinical investigations to patient safety initiatives. CHOP and Penn are at the forefront of research, enabling residents to work alongside many designated laboratories under experienced mentors, leading to significant scholarly output, including publications 1.

Conferences and Educational Resources

The program includes regular educational conferences and opportunities for residents to interact with attending physicians. Seminars are provided on various topics to enhance resident competencies in both clinical knowledge and professionalism. Additionally, there is ongoing access to a variety of educational materials, including a collection of core neurology articles and practice questions that support the learning process. Simulation learning sessions further enrich the training experience 1.

Application Requirements

Application to the Child Neurology Residency Program requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Besides the typical application elements, specific requirements include:

• Three letters of recommendation from physicians familiar with the applicant.
• A Dean's letter and medical school transcript.
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores.
• For international medical graduates, a completed year of clinical training in the U.S. is mandatory.

The selection process is comprehensive, and interviews are offered via email, typically occurring from early November through mid-January. Interviews are held virtually, providing an accessible format for all applicants 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. and international medical graduates who meet the specific requirements listed above. Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international medical graduates, typically through the J-1 visa program. This allows the program to maintain diversity and enhance the learning environment within child neurology 1.