Medical College of Georgia Program

The Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University offers a robust residency program recognized for its commitment to excellence in clinical care, education, and research. As a residency program anchored in a quaternary referral center, the program is structured to provide a comprehensive training experience for its residents.

Curriculum Overview

The neurology residency program is a categorical four-year program designed to shape the careers of aspiring neurologists. Annually, the program recruits six adult neurology residents and conducts recruitment for one pediatric neurology resident every other year. This structured curriculum integrates clinical exposure with a strong foundation in both basic science and clinical neurology.

The residency includes rotations across several training sites: the Medical College of Georgia at the Augusta University Medical Center, the Charlie Norwood VA Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia (CHOG). This diverse exposure allows residents to encounter a wide variety of neurological cases and treatments, enhancing their clinical skills and medical knowledge.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

The neurology program at MCG is proud of its tradition in pioneering novel treatments for stroke, supported by investigator-initiated stroke clinical trials and NIH-sponsored studies. The research component not only includes clinical trials but extends into translational stroke research, covering phases from pre-clinical development to phase III trials investigating efficacy.

Residents are encouraged to participate actively in research initiatives, which not only bolsters their educational experience but also prepares them for a career that may include academia, clinical practice, or research-focused roles.

Training Environment and Facilities

MCG's Department of Neurology is part of a larger academic health system that offers access to a vast array of specialties. This multispecialty collaboration is facilitated through the Neuroscience Center of Excellence, which brings together neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neuro-otology, and several other specialties to enhance the residency experience.

The training facilities include state-of-the-art resources such as a Level I trauma center, multiple intensive care units specifically for neurology, and various clinics serving diverse communities. This capacity allows residents to engage with various patient populations, emphasizing the importance of culturally competent care.

Fellowship and Subspecialty Training

Residents at MCG have access to fellowship training in subspecialties like vascular neurology, clinical neurophysiology, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neuro-interventional neurology. This range of fellowships allows residents to narrow their focus after completing their core residency training.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The MCG Neurology residency program is considered friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) as well as osteopathic medical graduates (DOs). The program offers visa sponsorship, primarily focusing on J-1 and H-1B visa types. This supportive environment fosters a diverse cohort of residents, enhancing cross-cultural learning and collaboration within the program.

Application Requirements

The application process is competitive, and applicants are expected to meet specific criteria. Typically, requirements include a valid medical degree, commitment to the field of neurology, and proficiency in English, among other standard prerequisites. Applicants should also be aware of specific eligibility requirements and limitations regarding prior exams and years since graduation.

Community and Alumni Network

The MCG Neurology residency program has a strong alumni network that connects past and current residents, facilitating professional development and opportunities for mentorship. Regularly scheduled events, including virtual grand rounds, foster active engagement and learning within both the current residency cohort and the broader alumni community.

Current Residents and Faculty

The program’s faculty consists of highly accomplished professionals in neurology, many of whom have completed their training at MCG. This continuity contributes to a collegial atmosphere and enhances the educational experience through mentorship and guidance throughout residency.

Current residents represent a diverse group with unique backgrounds and interests in various neurology subspecialties, fostering a collaborative learning environment that supports professional growth and education.