National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Program

This fellowship program in Epilepsy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda is a comprehensive, integrated two-year training program focused on both Clinical Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology. The program is a part of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Intramural Research Program and has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Upon completion, fellows will qualify for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certification Examination in the subspecialties of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

The program is designed to offer in-depth training in the evaluation and treatment of epilepsy, ensuring that fellows gain robust experience and expertise in clinical research, paving the way for potential academic careers in the field of epilepsy. Fellows will engage in various research projects that specifically target the challenges of drug-resistant epilepsy, with a particular emphasis on neuroimaging techniques that explore the connections between focal epilepsy and brain structure and function 1.

Program Structure

The fellowship consists of practical and didactic training encompassing the outpatient and inpatient management of epilepsy patients. Fellows will actively participate in outpatient clinics, conduct longitudinal follow-ups with selected patients, provide consultative services to other clinical areas within the intramural program, and manage cases within the epilepsy monitoring unit. This experience includes both non-invasive and invasive evaluations of epilepsy.

Furthermore, the program includes exposure to an ongoing epilepsy surgery program where fellows will be introduced to advanced localization techniques of epileptic foci, cognitive mapping, and various imaging modalities such as structural and functional MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electrocorticography (ECoG), and direct cortical stimulation 1.

Formal education during the fellowship includes a comprehensive didactic curriculum comprising lectures in clinical neurophysiology, journal clubs, lab meetings, Clinical Neuroscience Grand Rounds, and Neurology Consult Rounds. The program also benefits from affiliations with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Children’s National Hospital, providing additional clinical exposure and opportunities to manage a diverse patient population 1.

Application Information

Prospective fellows must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) specifically for clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy fellowships. The application window typically opens in November and closes in May for positions beginning in the following academic year. It is important to note that applicants are expected to have completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency program and hold a valid, unrestricted U.S. medical license to be eligible for the fellowship 2.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

The fellowship is recognized for being competitive with regards to applicant selection. Candidates from both U.S. MD and DO backgrounds, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), are considered, emphasizing a diverse pool of fellows which enhances the program's inclusivity 2. There may be a possibility for a third year of training for select candidates demonstrating exceptional skills and accomplishments during the two-year fellowship.

Visa Support

The NIH Clinical Center program offers visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign graduates. Typically, J-1 visas or H-1B visas are provided, allowing international fellows to participate in the training. This supports the program's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes talented candidates from around the globe.