Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program in Neurological Surgery offers a comprehensive training environment designed to prepare medical students for leadership roles in neurosurgery. Accredited by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and meeting all ACGME requirements, the program is focused on creating future leaders in the field, emphasizing teaching, research, and quality patient care.

Overview of the Program

The program benefits from a rich history starting nearly 75 years ago, emphasizing innovation in teaching, research, and patient care. A diverse and complex patient population provides trainees with exposure to all neurosurgical subspecialties. The training includes two years of dedicated research time, aiming to prepare residents for academic neurosurgery careers. The program prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, enhancing its educational and working environment.

Application Process

The program offers three positions per year and participates in ERAS and the NRMP. For consideration, applicants should have a USMLE score of at least 230, three letters of recommendation including neurosurgery experience, and research background in neurosurgery. The interview process is conducted virtually on specified dates and utilizes the Thalamus scheduling platform.

Program Structure

The neurosurgery residency spans seven years, structured as follows:

• PGY-1: A neurosurgery-directed intern year including rotations in neurosurgery, NeuroICU, MetroHealth Trauma, Neuroanesthesia, and Plastic Surgery.
• PGY-2 to PGY-4: Rotations across all neurosurgical subspecialties, with one month of night-sweeper responsibilities each year and a focused trauma rotation during the PGY-3 year.
• PGY-5 to PGY-6: Dedicated years for either laboratory or clinical research. Enfolded fellowships are an option.
• PGY-7: Chief Resident Year with administrative responsibilities and a focus on leadership.

Resident Rotations

The program includes rotations in essential areas such as cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, neurological restoration and stereotactic neurosurgery, brain tumor and neuro-oncology, and several other subspecialties. These rotations are structured to provide comprehensive training across the spectrum of neurosurgical practices, combined with robust clinical and basic research opportunities.

Medical Student Rotations and Sub-Internship

Medical students in their final year seeking a 4-week rotation in neurosurgery are encouraged to apply, with responsibilities mirroring those of an intern. The program also offers specific dates for neurosurgery sub-internship rotations, providing an immersive educational experience.

Program Highlights

• The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program fosters a multidisciplinary approach with more than 80 full-time neurologists and neurosurgeons.
• It offers a rich array of fellow and APP support, ensuring a comprehensive training experience.
• The case volume at the Cleveland Clinic exceeds 4,500+ surgical procedures annually, offering residents significant operative experience.
• Two years of required research are dedicated to preparing residents for a vibrant academic or clinical neurosurgery career.
• The program emphasizes career development from the junior resident level, assisting with research and future job planning.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Neurosurgery Residency Program is designed for those who aim for excellence in neurosurgery, offering a well-rounded, intensive training experience supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a broad surgical case volume.