George Washington University School of Medicine Program

The George Washington University Epilepsy Fellowship is a one-year ACGME accredited program that offers a comprehensive and structured training experience in the field of epilepsy. This program is designed to provide fellows with a robust foundation in both clinical practice and research opportunities, focusing on the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and associated disorders. The fellowship is available through the NRMP Match, ensuring a highly competitive selection process.

Fellows will gain clinical experience through multiple rotations, including both adult and pediatric epilepsy services. The primary training sites for the fellowship are GW University Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center. The program is committed to developing well-rounded, competent epileptologists who are equipped to handle a diverse range of clinical challenges. Training focuses on several key competencies, such as:

• Outpatient routine and ambulatory EEGs
• ICU EEGs and long-term monitoring (LTM)
• Presurgical evaluation including EEG monitoring
• Managing patients with medically refractory epilepsy
• Intracranial invasive EEG monitoring
• Utilization of neurostimulation and neuromodulation devices

In order to expand their education and academic profile, fellows are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement initiatives, facilitated by faculty mentorship.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum within the epilepsy fellowship consists of three principal rotations:

• Adult Inpatient Epilepsy Service: This rotation includes work in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and intensive care units (ICU) where fellows manage acute epilepsy cases.
• Outpatient Rotation: Fellows will read routine and ambulatory EEGs and manage outpatient epilepsy patients while collaborating with assigned faculty.
• Pediatric Epilepsy Rotation: Conducted at Children’s National Medical Center, this rotation provides valuable experience in managing pediatric epilepsy cases.

Didactic Training

The program places a strong emphasis on didactic education through various formats:

• Epilepsy Board Review Course: A comprehensive 3-day course designed for board certification preparation, offered at no cost to fellows.
• Monthly Epilepsy Seminar Series: Features eminent speakers discussing cutting-edge topics in epilepsy.
• Lecture Series: Covering basic and advanced topics within EEG technology and clinical management.
• Journal Club: Bi-weekly discussions that promote critical analysis of recent literature in epilepsy research.
• Weekly Management Conferences: Joint conferences with Children’s National Medical Center focusing on case discussions and management strategies.
• EEG Teaching Sessions: Held bi-weekly, aimed at enhancing EEG interpretation skills.

Fellows are also encouraged to attend national conferences such as the American Epilepsy Society meeting to further enrich their educational exposure.

Application Requirements

For prospective fellows, the application process requires completion of an ACGME accredited neurology residency, along with board eligibility by the start of the fellowship. This program is competitive, aiming to attract applicants with strong clinical backgrounds and a passion for epilepsy management. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates (IMGs) by providing visa sponsorship for J-1 visas. This accommodation ensures that eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds can pursue their fellowship at George Washington University.

Competitiveness

Overall, the fellowship program is highly competitive, seeking applicants who demonstrate excellence in their neurology residency programs. It offers a welcoming environment for both MD and DO graduates alike, fostering diversity among its fellows.

In addition, the epilepsy center at GWU is recognized as a level 4 epilepsy center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, signifying the highest standards of care and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. This provides fellows with unparalleled access to advanced treatment modalities and research opportunities within the field of epilepsy.