MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health - Georgetown/National Rehabilitation Hospital Fellowship Program in Brain Injury Medicine offers a comprehensive training opportunity for physicians interested in specializing in the management of acquired brain injury. The fellowship is ACGME-accredited and is rooted in a collaborative learning environment, benefiting from a rich affiliation with faculty from the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Two distinct tracks are available: a one-year clinical track and a two-year clinical-research track, both designed to enhance the fellow's clinical competency and research abilities.

The fellowship aims to develop fellows into proficient physicians capable of practicing autonomously in Brain Injury Medicine. The curriculum is meticulously structured to cover essential competencies, including history taking, physical examinations, diagnosis, and management of brain injuries and associated complications. A vital aspect of the program is the integration of ACGME core competencies, which includes categories such as Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning, and more.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum necessitates completion of at least three months of inpatient rotations and three months of outpatient rotations. In addition to this, fellows engage in a Brain Injury Medicine continuity clinic for one half-day per week. The rotations encompass a variety of specialties beyond Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), allowing for a well-rounded training experience.

Rotations

The fellowship features a diverse array of clinical rotations, including:

• Five months of inpatient rehabilitation.
• One month each of Neuropsychology/neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation consultations at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
• One month at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
• One month of outpatient clinic focused on spasticity management.
• One month dedicated to an outpatient concussion clinic.
• Short rotations in Neurointensive Care and Neuroradiology.
• One month of elective time.

During these rotations, fellows are entrusted with significant responsibilities, including direct patient care, documentation, and treatment planning while being supervised by experienced faculty. This training structure also fosters an educational atmosphere, as fellows are expected to mentor residents and medical students.

Training Locations

Training is conducted at leading medical facilities, which include:

• MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
• MedStar Washington Hospital Center
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

This multiplicity of training sites exposes fellows to a variety of clinical environments, enhancing the breadth and depth of their training.

Application Information

The Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship program accepts applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Eligible candidates should be board-certified or board-eligible in either Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Neurology. The program is noted for being highly competitive, and it is open to all qualified applicants, including DO and IMG candidates.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the fellowship program offers visa sponsorship opportunities, typically supporting H-1B or J-1 visa types, thereby accommodating foreign candidates seeking fellowship training in the United States.

Additional Considerations

Prospective candidates should be aware of any special application requirements, such as a maximum number of failed STEP exam attempts or limits on the year of graduation. These parameters can vary and should be carefully reviewed prior to application.

In summary, the MedStar Health Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship Program provides a rigorous and rewarding environment for fellows to develop their expertise in brain injury management while contributing to research and clinical excellence.