Overview of the Spinal Cord Injury Program
The Mount Sinai Spinal Cord Injury Program is a renowned center dedicated to comprehensive care for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). This program offers a structured approach that spans from initial treatment at the time of injury, through acute medical care, rehabilitation, to lifelong community reintegration and support.
1Recognized as one of the Model Systems funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this program serves as a critical resource in New York State for delivering exemplary care and conducting vital research in spinal cord injury management.
2Curriculum and Clinical Rotations
The curriculum within the Spinal Cord Injury Program is tailored to ensure that fellows gain in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of spinal cord injury medicine. Fellows involved in this program are immersed in a multidisciplinary environment where they receive training from specialists in rehabilitation medicine, neurosurgery, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
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Clinical rotations include hands-on experience at the 25-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit housed within Mount Sinai Hospital. This facility is designed to provide advanced rehabilitative services and allows for immediate access to a myriad of diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
4Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes research as a foundational component of training, offering fellows opportunities to engage in ongoing studies related to spinal cord injury therapies, rehabilitation methods, and outcomes. Current research includes clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of innovative technologies such as exoskeletons for rehabilitation as well as studies aimed at understanding pain management post-SCI.
5Fellows are encouraged to pursue scholarly activities, contributing to the body of published work on SCI which enables them to contribute to the scientific community and further their professional growth.
6Unique Aspects of the Program
The Spinal Cord Injury Program is distinguished by its commitment to providing individualized patient care. The program offers a primary team approach, where each patient is assigned a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who collaborate closely to customize rehabilitation plans.
7Innovative rehabilitation technologies available at the facility include functional electrical stimulation systems and robotic-assisted devices, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advancements in therapeutic interventions.
8The program also features unique educational initiatives such as webinars addressing health and wellness in the SCI community, providing support beyond clinical treatment.
9Community Reintegration Programs
The model focuses on facilitating community reintegration for individuals with spinal cord injuries, offering various activities aimed at promoting independence and quality of life. Initiatives include mentorship programs pairing newly injured individuals with seasoned mentors and community access outings to local venues.
10The Community Access ReEntry (CARE) Program promotes social engagement and opportunities for individuals to learn about navigating public spaces, contributing to improved confidence and self-esteem.
11Training Sites and Facilities
The training sites include Mount Sinai Hospital, which serves as the central hub for all clinical services related to spine and neurological health. The inpatient rehabilitation unit is equipped with modern rehabilitation technologies and operates under a collaborative model that emphasizes comprehensive care delivery.
12Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualifying candidates, specifically J-1 and H-1B visas. This sponsorship supports international medical graduates, allowing them to partake in the fellowship without visa-related barriers.
13Competitiveness of the Program
The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse medical backgrounds. The program maintains a friendly stance toward DO and IMG candidates, encouraging a wide range of applicants to ensure a diverse cohort of fellows who can contribute various perspectives to the field of spinal cord injury medicine.
14Special Application Requirements
Applicants to the fellowship program should be aware of specific requirements such as limitations on the number of failed STEP exams and preferences for those who have completed their medical education within a certain timeframe. These details help ensure that candidates are suitably prepared for the rigor of the program.
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