JFK Medical Center Program

The Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute represents a focused opportunity for Board Eligible or Board Certified physiatrists interested in the specialized field of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurorehabilitation. This one-year program is ACGME accredited and based in Edison, New Jersey, featuring a collaborative effort among the Center for Brain Injuries at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The fellowship offers a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation services for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI), encompassing a continuum of care that includes acute care trauma consults, inpatient acute and sub-acute rehabilitation, and extensive outpatient treatment. Fellows will work closely with knowledgeable senior faculty members, gaining invaluable mentorship throughout their training 1.

Program Overview

The program is designed to groom fellows to adeptly manage the medical, pharmacological, and rehabilitative needs of patients with brain injuries, both traumatic and non-traumatic. Upon completion, fellows will gain proficiency in conducting mental status evaluations and neurological exams, and will be trained in the interpretation of neuro-imaging and neuropsychological assessments. Moreover, they will develop specialized treatment regimens, including behavioral modification programs for individuals with disorders of consciousness 1.

Clinical Activities and Education

Fellows will engage in a multitude of clinical activities across various settings such as:

• Inpatient acute brain injury rehabilitation
• Subacute inpatient brain injury rehabilitation
• Outpatient brain injury rehabilitation
• Spasticity/Baclofen Clinic
• Acute trauma consultations
• Neuroradiology

The educational framework allows for elective opportunities dependent on the fellow's and department's interests. Each fellow is encouraged to complete a research project during their tenure, with support from the fellowship director and faculty members who are engaged in significant research endeavors aimed at advancing brain injury medicine 1.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research, facilitating at least one research project from each fellow. Senior grant-funded researchers lead cutting-edge investigations that enhance clinical practices in the field. Fellows will have the unique chance to not only participate in existing research but also create their own projects and present findings at notable platforms such as the Annual Brain Injury Alliance Seminar 6.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME accredited residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, or Psychiatry, and are advised to apply during their PGY III or early PGY IV years. The application process requires the submission of specific documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required materials include:

• A recent passport-sized photo
• Cover letter with personal statement
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from the Program Director)
• Copies of USMLE Step I, II, III scores, COMLEX scores, Medical School Dean’s letter, and transcripts

Interviews typically occur each September and October, with accepted applicants expected to fulfill several prerequisites before starting the fellowship on July 1 3.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The program is highly competitive, attracting candidates with strong backgrounds in relevant fields. However, it is recognized as being friendly toward applicants from diverse backgrounds, including both DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). For international candidates, the program offers visa sponsorship options, typically providing support for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating opportunities for eligible individuals to pursue advanced training in the U.S. 4.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship is backed by a distinguished faculty known for their expertise and contributions to brain injury medicine. Faculty members serve as mentors, guiding fellows through both clinical and research training. This mentorship component is integral to the fellow's development, ensuring a rich educational experience throughout the fellowship duration 5.