New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia Campus) Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is designed to provide comprehensive training in both Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy. The program is fully accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neurological disorders through clinical assessment and electrophysiological testing.

Fellowship trainees engage in an extensive curriculum that covers normal and abnormal electrophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Trainees develop a strong foundation in the relevant anatomy and physiology, as well as the methodologies pertinent to diagnosing and managing conditions such as epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases, and sleep disorders.

Fellowship Structure

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship offers two distinct tracks: EEG/Epilepsy and EMG/Neuromuscular Medicine. Upon applying, candidates select one major path, allowing them to devote significant time to their area of interest while gaining exposure to the other aspects of clinical neurophysiology.

In the EEG/Epilepsy Track, fellows gain experience performing various procedures including electroencephalograms (EEGs), long-term video-EEG monitoring, and intraoperative monitoring. The program emphasizes a comprehensive exposure to electrodiagnostic testing and the management of epilepsy patients.

For the EMG/Neuromuscular Medicine Track, fellows are immersed in the EMG Laboratory, gaining practical skills in electrodiagnostic testing. The program covers a wide array of neuromuscular disorders through hands-on experience and didactic learning.

Clinical Training Sites

Fellows train at the Columbia Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, which serves as both a tertiary care facility and the central laboratory for electrodiagnostic testing. This center is noted for its diverse patient population and broad spectrum of cases, providing an invaluable clinical experience in outpatient clinics, operating rooms, and inpatient services including the neuro ICU.

Didactic Program

The program integrates a structured didactic curriculum comprising a series of lectures and dedicated conferences that contribute 4 to 6 hours of instruction weekly. This academic exposure is critical for enhancing the fellows' knowledge base and clinical acumen.

Requirements and Eligibility

Applicants to the fellowship must hold eligibility for a New York State Medical License at the start of the fellowship. For international medical graduates, a minimum of one year of internal medicine training in a GME-approved residency is required, in addition to fulfilling neurology residency prerequisites.

The program maintains a structured application process, with interview offers extended after March 1 of the year preceding the fellowship start date. Completion of this fellowship enables fellows to be eligible for certification in Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Visa Support

The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants, which facilitates the opportunity for non-US medical graduates to participate in this rigorous training.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting top-tier candidates from various educational backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) graduates, providing an inclusive environment for all qualified applicants.