Lehigh Valley Health Network Program
Location:
Allentown, PASpecialty:
Clinical neurophysiologyACGME Code:
1874118110Neurology Residency Program Overview
The Neurology Residency Program at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) aims to train future leaders in clinical and academic neurology. The program emphasizes independence and autonomy across its three-year training curriculum, with dedicated elective and research time integrated throughout. Each year of training has specific focuses, providing residents with diverse experiences in various aspects of neurology as they progressively gain responsibilities.
1Curriculum Structure
The residency comprises three years; during the first year (PGY-2), residents primarily manage patients admitted for general neurological disorders and gain experience in epilepsy, neuro-ophthalmology, and psychiatry. In the PGY-3 year, residents take on supervising roles while enhancing their clinical skills across pediatric neurology, neurophysiology, and neuroradiology rotations. The PGY-4 year focuses on supervising inpatient stroke and neuroscience ICU services, further developing outpatient clinic experiences, and conducting research projects.
1Research and Academic Opportunities
Residents have ample opportunities for research, requiring them to engage in both a research and quality improvement project during their training. Mentorship is provided throughout the process, with potential funding for presenting findings at national events. Furthermore, the program fosters an environment conducive to academic growth through various teaching conferences, such as clinical case reviews and grand rounds, which enhance residents' learning and exposure to current clinical practices.
7Training Facilities
Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest serves as the main facility, an extensive 729-bed tertiary care hospital recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. The hospital hosts a Neuroscience Medical-Surgical unit, a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU), and various specialized centers, providing residents with diverse clinical experiences. Additional rotations and training may occur at LVH–Muhlenberg and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital, which accommodates pediatric neurology cases.
2Neurologic Subspecialty Divisions
The program boasts a robust faculty of neurologists proficient in numerous subspecialties such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular diseases, and neurocritical care, among others. Residents benefit from close interactions with fellowship-trained faculty across these subspecialties, promoting an integrated learning environment that addresses diverse neurological disorders.
3Benefits and Support
Residents receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes a salary, educational stipends, vacation days, and wellness allowances. Specific to the Neurology Residency, residents also benefit from conference funding and an annual book allowance. The program prioritizes residents' well-being and professional development through this support structure.
4Application Requirements
To be eligible for application, candidates are expected to have graduated from medical school within the last two years and must pass USMLE or COMLEX Steps 1 and 2 on their first attempt. The program sponsors both H1-B and J-1 visas, catering to international medical graduates. Applicants need to provide at least one letter of recommendation from a neurology rotation as part of their ERAS application.
8Competitiveness and Selection
While the program is competitive, it maintains an inclusive approach that welcomes candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The structured selection process includes interviews and timely applicant notifications, ensuring a fair assessment of potential residents.
8Life in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley area, located 60 miles north of Philadelphia, offers a thriving community with a lower cost of living than larger cities. The region is known for its vibrant culture and growth, making it an attractive place for residents to live and work while completing their training in a supportive and collaborative environment.
1Summary of Benefits
Residents at LVHN enjoy various benefits, including 20 days of vacation, up to five days for conferences, a stipend for uniforms, and employee wellness funding. These benefits are designed to support residents' health and professional development during their training.
4Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$84,455First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Allentown, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Allentown, PA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Allentown has a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. It's important to be cautious in certain areas.
- Fun Activities: Allentown offers a variety of recreational activities such as parks, museums, and cultural events. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a popular amusement park nearby.
- Climate: Allentown has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for all four seasons.
- Races and Population: Allentown is diverse with a mix of different races and ethnicities in its population.
- Education: Allentown has a few universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Allentown is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Philadelphia and New York City are both approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car, offering access to big city amenities and entertainment.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, proximity to bigger cities, diverse population.
- Cons: Moderate crime rate in some areas, varying weather conditions.
Interview Questions
