Loyola University Medical Center Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at Loyola Medicine provides a comprehensive training program specializing in the evaluation and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system. This one-year fellowship is accredited by ACGME and is designed to help fellows gain significant expertise in various subfields of clinical neurophysiology.

The fellowship encompasses a complete spectrum of neuroscience services available at the Loyola University Medical Center. The facility features a state-of-the-art medical center with a capacity of 570 licensed beds and extensive research opportunities encouraged at levels ranging from basic science to clinical applications. Through this fellowship, fellows will obtain hands-on experience in various neurophysiological modalities, including electroencephalography (EEG), evoked potential studies, autonomic studies, and polysomnography, allowing them to participate in cutting-edge research within the department 1.

Program Overview

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship aims to train future leaders in the field by offering a structured curriculum that develops clinical skills and research acumen. The fellowship prepares graduates to establish and supervise EEG/epilepsy monitoring laboratories in both academic and integrated practice settings. The program is tailored to meet the individual goals and aspirations of the fellows, with the faculty comprised of specialists well-regarded for their commitment to patient care and education 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants to the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship program must possess a current, unrestricted medical license to practice in the United States or Canada. Candidates must have successfully completed residency programs accredited by either ACGME or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Accepted medical school graduates may include those from institutions accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association, or those who are ECFMG certified 1.

Application requirements consist of submitting a current photograph, a curriculum vitae, a copy of medical school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and copies of USMLE or COMLEX examination scores along with a current license. ECFMG certification is also necessary for IMGs 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship includes multiple rotations, each focused on specific areas of neurophysiology:

Electroencephalography (EEG) Rotation

During the EEG rotation, fellows will engage in both inpatient and outpatient EEG studies, participate in an epilepsy clinic, and be involved in continuous video-EEG monitoring for epileptic seizures. The rotation aims to foster mastery in EEG recording techniques while learning to interpret various EEG patterns. Key competencies include understanding the basic electronics relevant to EEG, recognizing artifacts, and grasping clinical interpretations 4.

Electromyography (EMG) Rotation

Fellows will gain proficiency in EMG through structured training pivotal for diagnosing neuromuscular diseases. Key areas of instruction include motor and sensory conduction studies and needle electromyography, which will be carried out as independent procedures during the fellowship 4.

Evoked Potentials Rotation

This rotation will include training in the application and interpretation of different types of evoked potentials, such as somatosensory and visual evoked potentials. Understanding the anatomical localization of abnormalities observed during these studies is crucial for clinical diagnosis 4.

Sleep Medicine Rotation

The sleep medicine rotation provides experience with diagnostic sleep laboratories and emphasizes the interpretation of sleep disorders. Fellows engage in practical training in clinical sleep medicine and become competent in evaluating sleep records from nocturnal polysomnography studies 4.

Research Rotation

Fellows are expected to complete a research project focused on clinical neurophysiology. This project will be mentored by the faculty and is intended to yield results suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring fellows are adept at critical evaluation of neurophysiology literature 4.

Faculty and Expertise

The faculty involved in this fellowship consists of experienced neurologists certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), many of whom hold specialized certifications in clinical neurophysiology. Their expertise includes areas such as epilepsy surgery, neuromuscular disease, and pediatric neurology, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for fellows 2. Fellows will also have the opportunity to learn from those who have made significant contributions to the field through publication and lecturing 3.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program provides visa support, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types. This ensures that qualified international applicants can pursue their training within the fellowship, boosting the program's diversity and breadth of expertise.

Competitiveness

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Program is competitive, attracting applicants from both MD and DO backgrounds. It is friendly towards international medical graduates, encouraging a diverse group of fellows to apply.