McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers a prestigious one-year, ACGME-accredited Vascular Neurology Fellowship within the Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology. The program is specifically designed to provide exceptional clinical and research training in stroke medicine, preparing fellows for independent practice in this vital subspecialty.

The mission of the Vascular Neurology fellowship program emphasizes a comprehensive educational experience and aims to improve vascular health in the surrounding communities. It focuses on bridging health inequalities through high-quality, personalized vascular neurology services.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in various clinical rotations, acquiring in-depth experience across multiple facets of vascular neurology. The primary rotations are:

• Inpatient Stroke Service: Approximately 6 months, with home call.
• Telestroke Service: Active throughout the fellowship duration.
• Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (NSICU): 1 month, no call required.
• Vascular Neurology Clinic: 1 or 2 half-days per week.
• Neurosonology: 2 weeks focused on transcranial Doppler (TCD) assessments.
• Neuro-rehabilitation at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab & NMH: 2 weeks.
• Neurointerventional Radiology: 2 weeks.
• Electives: Around 3 months available for individualized learning.

During the fellowship, there are numerous conferences that complement clinical training, including:

• Weekly Vascular Neurology Noon Conference with journal clubs, research meetings, and didactic lectures.
• Weekly case conferences related to Vascular and Critical Care Neurology.
• Regular Quality Improvement/Patient Safety meetings.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship fosters active participation in scholarly activities and encourages fellows to embark on mentored clinical, basic, and translational research projects. Fellows have ample opportunities to engage in significant research related to:

• Stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
• Health services research emphasizing equitable access to stroke services.
• Clinical trials encompassing the spectrum from acute stroke interventions to rehabilitation.
• Investigation of neuroanatomical properties using advanced MRI techniques.
• Developing novel biomarkers for post-stroke outcomes.

Furthermore, fellows have the chance to present their findings at national meetings, emphasizing the program's commitment to academic growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The program actively encourages fellows from various backgrounds to apply, thereby enhancing cultural competency in training and patient care practices. The Neurosciences Health, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (HEDI) Committee works to strengthen this commitment.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program offers sponsorship for J1 and H1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants need to be board-certified or board-eligible in neurology or related fields and must demonstrate a strong interest in vascular neurology. The selection process includes evaluating academic credentials and communication skills, with approximately half of eligible applicants being invited for interviews. The program's application process requires submission of:

• CV
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• A copy of the current temporary medical license
• Documentation of USMLE scores

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered competitive and is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMGs. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to a wide range of cerebrovascular disease cases further enhances the training experience.

With a focus on clinical excellence, comprehensive education, and strong research opportunities, the Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University presents a unique pathway for fellows dedicated to advancing in the field of vascular neurology.