Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health/National Capital Consortium Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program at the Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is designed to cultivate skilled and compassionate academic vascular neurologists. This one-year ACGME accredited fellowship is structured to provide comprehensive training tailored to various clinical, research, and academic settings.

Program Structure

The fellowship program is structured around broad-based clinical experience and advanced neuroimaging training. Fellows engage in a robust educational curriculum that includes lectures, seminars, and dedicated research opportunities, as well as receiving individualized career counseling.

Clinical Experience

Fellows rotate through several significant clinical sites, including the Suburban Hospital, a thrombectomy-capable stroke center; the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center; the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and the NIH Clinical Center, recognized as a leading research hospital. These rotations encompass a diverse range of patient populations and cerebrovascular disorders, thus enriching the fellows' clinical training 1.

Advanced Neuroimaging Training

Throughout the fellowship, specialized training in neuroimaging techniques relevant to vascular neurology is emphasized. This includes comprehensive exposure to multimodal MRI, CT scans, angiography, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography, ensuring fellows acquire essential skills necessary for modern vascular neurological practices 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The program offers a meticulously designed curriculum that encompasses a series of structured lectures, neuroimaging rounds, case conferences, and journal clubs. These educational sessions cover fundamental topics such as stroke pathophysiology, neuroimaging interpretation, emergency stroke management, and the anatomy pertinent to neurovascular interventions 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are crucial participants in NIH-funded clinical studies, involving patient recruitment, clinical assessments, follow-ups, and data collection. This active engagement in research endeavors fosters a deeper understanding of clinical applications in vascular neurology and contributes to the evolution of treatment strategies for stroke 1.

Scholarly Activities

To promote academic growth, fellows are encouraged to disseminate their findings at national and international conferences and publish in reputable peer-reviewed journals. A quality improvement project aimed at enhancing the efficacy of clinical care for stroke patients is also a requirement for completing the fellowship 1.

Career Counseling and Mentoring

Fellows benefit from career counseling and mentorship offered through the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education, as well as from faculty in the vascular neurology program. This support is vital for guiding fellows toward successful career paths in academia or research 1.

Optional Research Training

In addition to the standard one-year training, fellows have the opportunity to extend their training to pursue more intensive, research-focused tracks, enabling them to deepen their expertise in vascular neurology 1.

Application Information

Vascular Neurology is a December Application Cycle specialty, with applications managed through the NRMP Vascular Neurology Match process. Candidates must hold an MD or DO degree and have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited or equivalent neurology residency. The program is structured to be competitive, welcoming both US graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The fellowship does sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, thereby accommodating international applicants seeking opportunities within the fellowship 1.

Special Application Requirements

When applying, candidates must be aware of specific requirements, including the necessity to have completed their residency and any limitations on the number of failed USMLE Step exams, although the program does not strictly disqualify applicants based on prior exam attempts, making it relatively DO and IMG friendly 1.