Apr 3, 2000
Emory University School of Medicine Program
Overview
The Emory University School of Medicine's Neurology programprovides a comprehensive and rigorous residency education,preparing residents to become adept neurologists. The program isstructured to deliver extensive clinical exposure, innovativeresearch opportunities, and an enriching educational environmentthrough state-of-the-art facilities and distinguished faculty.
Curriculum Overview
The residency curriculum integrates both inpatient andoutpatient neurology with increasing autonomy for residents as theyprogress through their training. Beginning in July 2021, theprogram adopted an X+Y schedule, balancing clinical and electivetime more efficiently. This change alleviates the need forresidents to alternate between inpatient and outpatient settingsweekly, allowing focused engagement in each area. Throughout theirtraining, residents benefit from rotations at Emory UniversityHospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the Atlanta VA MedicalCenter, exposing them to diverse patient populations and neurologicdisorders
1.Training Structure
Residents in their second year (PGY-2) immerse themselves inneurology principles through varied rotations involving directpatient care across multiple services. Training includes overnightcall coverage through a night float system and exposure tosubspecialty clinics, ensuring a comprehensive foundation. In thethird year (PGY-3), residents ascend to supervisory roles,enhancing leadership skills while further honing their diagnosticand management expertise. The final year (PGY-4) emphasizesflexibility and self-directed learning, allowing for individualinterests and elective pursuits to be prioritized, guaranteeingreadiness for independent practice as neurologists upongraduation
2.Research Opportunities
Ranked among the top ten NIH-funded Departments of Neurology,Emory places a strong emphasis on research, offering numerousopportunities for residents to engage in both clinical and basicscience research. Residents interested in research careers can optfor a flexible neurology training path that provides additionalprotected research time during each year of residency, facilitatinga balance between clinical training and research engagement
3.Application Process
The Emory Neurology residency program is characterized as anAdvanced program with 10 available positions. Candidates must applyseparately for their first-year residency through the ERAS system,as well as for the Emory Transitional Year (TY) Internship program,which guarantees slots for successful applicants. Requireddocumentation includes completed applications, USMLE or COMLEXscores, three letters of recommendation (preferably one from aneurologist), and a personal statement. The program activelywelcomes International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and facilitates J-1visa sponsorship for accepted candidates through the GraduateMedical Education (GME) office
4.Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated holistically, with a strong emphasis ondiversity and the potential for residents to contribute positivelyto the Emory community. The program does not screen applicantsbased solely on board scores, fostering a fair and equitableinterview process that encompasses various factors, includingexperience and background. A valid ECFMG certificate is mandatoryfor IMGs, in addition to clinical experience in the U.S. within thepast year being desirable
5.Unique Aspects of the Program
Emory's Department of Neurology is distinguished by itscommitment to high-quality education, diverse clinical experiences,and a supportive faculty environment. The residency programemphasizes the development of future leaders in neurology whopractice with integrity and cultural sensitivity, addressinghealthcare disparities and advocating for underrepresentedpopulations. Furthermore, the program’s proximity to the CDC andnumerous research collaborations enriches the training experiencefor residents
6.Living in Atlanta
Residents enjoy the vibrant culture and lifestyle Atlanta has tooffer, including a robust food scene, numerous parks, andprofessional sports teams. The city is an excellent environment forboth professional growth and personal well-being, promoting ahealthy work-life balance with opportunities for recreationalactivities year-round
7.Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
10, 10, 9 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 29, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:89% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:--
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $73,211 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 238–270 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:3 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
10%
Emory University School of Medicine
7%
Howard University College of Medicine
3%
More than 1 school has this rank*
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
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]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Location
Atlanta, GA [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 Atlanta, GA
Crime Rate and Safety
Atlanta has some high-crime areas, but overall safety is similar to other major U.S. cities. It's recommended to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings.
Fun Activities
Atlanta offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums, parks, restaurants, and outdoor activities. You can enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Climate
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and high humidity in the summer.
Races and Population
Atlanta is a diverse city with a blend of different races and cultures. It has a significant African American population and a growing Hispanic community.
Education
Atlanta is home to prestigious universities like Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, providing opportunities for continued education and research.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Atlanta is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs can vary based on the neighborhood.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Atlanta is within driving distance to cities like Nashville, TN (about 3.5 hours), and Charlotte, NC (about 4 hours), offering weekend getaway options.
Pros
- Vibrant cultural scene
- diverse population
- moderate cost of living.
Cons
- Some high-crime areas
- hot and humid summers.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Neurology Programs Near Atlanta, GA
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1801221028
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/228e2149-3b63-d38a-ebb1-99973b1e3275
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=160XX00US1304000
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