Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is a rigorous one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to provide advanced training focused on the care of vascular neurological conditions, particularly ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The program's structure integrates clinical practice, didactic learning, and research, showcasing its commitment to producing highly skilled vascular neurologists dedicated to patient care within their communities 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is robust, featuring an exclusive lecture series led by faculty stroke experts who cover various essential topics in vascular neurology. This series complements departmental and interdisciplinary teaching conferences, providing a comprehensive didactic experience. Key components include a vascular neurology case conference, a journal club, an endovascular case conference, a neuroradiology conference, and departmental Grand Rounds 2.

Fellows are involved in clinical rotations that allow them to gain extensive experience in the hyper-acute management of stroke. The program includes a 6-month inpatient stroke service rotation at IU Health Methodist Hospital, a leading comprehensive stroke center that handles over 1,000 acute stroke cases annually 1.

Clinical Rotations

During their time in the inpatient stroke service, fellows lead the acute stroke response team. Responsibilities include assessing patients, interpreting diagnostic images, making treatment decisions regarding thrombolysis, and collaborating with the neuroendovascular team in real-time settings. The stroke service is staffed by vascular neurologists, enabling fellows to manage both admitting and consultative services 1.

Fellows also follow patients longitudinally in outpatient clinics at the IU Neuroscience Center and the Roudebush VA Medical Center. In these settings, they learn about secondary stroke prevention and the management of post-stroke complications, such as depression and cognitive dysfunction 1.

In addition, fellows rotate through the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU), where they can assess patients and administer thrombolytics on-site or via telehealth, gaining experience in modern care delivery practices 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research, offering education in both basic science and clinical research principles. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in ongoing faculty research projects or develop their own studies, with the aim of submitting abstracts and manuscripts for publication 1. This focus on research is supported by opportunities for further training in health services research at the Roudebush VA Medical Center and the Regenstrief Institute.

Training Sites and Facilities

The primary training site for the fellowship is the IU Health Methodist Hospital, known for its comprehensive approach to stroke care. Fellows also experience rotations at renowned facilities such as the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, where they learn about rehabilitation for stroke and other neurological conditions 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, specific types of visas can be sponsored, although details are best confirmed directly with the program.

The application process is competitive, and candidates must demonstrate readiness for a fellowship with specific requirements, such as a maximum number of failed Step exams, which are typically set at two. Additionally, the program is welcoming to both DOs and IMGs, thus diversifying the applicant pool 1.

Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates will be eligible for board certification in vascular neurology through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 1. This comprehensive and multifaceted approach to training in vascular neurology prepares fellows not only for immediate clinical practice but also for long-term contributions to the advancement of neurological care.