Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Pediatric Neurology Residency Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is steeped in a rich history, having been founded by Bernard Sachs, MD, who established the first neurology service in New York City. This program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in child neurology by providing comprehensive training, emphasizing both clinical excellence and research opportunities.

Program Mission

The program's mission is to deliver outstanding training in both pediatric and adult neurology. This is achieved through extensive exposure to numerous neurology disciplines, allowing residents to develop a robust foundation in general pediatric neurology and various subspecialties. The trainees benefit from a culturally diverse environment, while receiving guidance from highly accomplished academic pediatric neurologists specializing in areas such as epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, headaches, neurobehavioral disorders, and more 1.

Curriculum Structure

The pediatric neurology residency program consists of a three-year training format structured to align with the requirements set forth by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program structure is outlined as follows:

Year 1: Adult Neurology

This year includes six 4-week blocks focusing on inpatient adult neurology, followed by various electives and rotations, including outpatient neurology, neuroradiology, and neurophysiology.

Year 2: Inpatient Child Neurology

Residents engage in a rigorous curriculum with blocks dedicated to inpatient and consult child neurology, as well as outpatient pediatrics genetics and child psychiatry.

Year 3: Outpatient Child Neurology

The third year emphasizes subspecialty clinics and allows for clinical or research electives, providing an essential transition to independent practice.

Throughout each year, residents partake in didactic teaching conferences spanning various disciplines including neurology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Participation in these educational activities is strongly encouraged, fostering a rich learning environment 2.

Research Opportunities

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a robust research infrastructure, with the institution consistently ranking high in NIH funding across numerous relevant fields. This strong research emphasis allows residents to engage in significant clinical, translational, or basic research related to child neurology. Each resident is expected to complete a quality improvement project during the last two years of their training, further enhancing their clinical and research capabilities 2.

Training Sites

The residency program utilizes a diverse array of training sites within the Mount Sinai Health System. This includes the Mount Sinai Hospital, the highly ranked Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, and various outreach locations offering residents exposure to a spectrum of cases and patient demographics. This arrangement ensures that residents are well-prepared to manage both common and rare pediatric neurological disorders 3.

Resident Benefits

Residents enjoy competitive stipends, comprehensive health benefits, and guaranteed housing options that are conveniently located. Additionally, several resources are provided, including travel funds for presenting research at conferences, reimbursement for transportation during rotations, and discounts on various local activities. A resident handbook and mobile app are also available to help facilitate their training 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, typically supporting J-1 and H-1B visa categories, making it a viable option for DOs and IMGs seeking residency in child neurology. The admission process is selective, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic records and relevant clinical experiences to enhance their competitiveness for this prestigious program.

Application Requirements

Applicants typically should have completed a minimum of two years in General Pediatrics Residency prior to entering the Pediatric Neurology Residency. Specific requirements, such as the maximum number of failed STEP exams or year of graduation, may need to be confirmed according to the program's standards. Residents benefit from a supportive atmosphere dedicated to personal and professional growth throughout their training journey 2.