NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The neurosurgery residency program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a comprehensive seven-year training program that emphasizes clinical and surgical responsibility. This program is designed to produce highly skilled neurosurgeons equipped to pursue careers in academic medicine, private practice, or subspecialty fellowship training.

The residency spans multiple training sites, including NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. Each of these institutions contributes to a diverse clinical experience, with more than 4,000 major neurosurgical procedures performed annually across these facilities. This wide-ranging exposure allows residents to gain hands-on surgical experience in various subspecialty areas from the very first day of residency 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes 60 months of clinical neurosurgery experience, with dedicated time allocated to different subspecialty areas. Residents undertake a structured path through different levels of training, progressively gaining responsibility in patient evaluation, management, and operative procedures. The program is organized into specific subspecialties such as vascular/endovascular neurosurgery, tumor neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, and pediatric neurosurgery, among others 2.

Rotations Structure

Residents begin with a transitional year that includes exposure to neurology and general surgery. As they advance to junior residency years (PGY-2 through PGY-4), they rotate through distinct services within Tisch Hospital, Bellevue, and the VA facility. This approach ensures that they develop expertise across a wide range of neurosurgical protocols and practices 3.

Research Component

NYU’s neurosurgery residency program places strong emphasis on research, requiring residents to dedicate a year to research activities, collaborating with faculty on projects that often lead to significant contributions in the field. The program encourages residents to engage in hypothesis-driven research, fostering an environment of inquiry and innovation 1.

Unique Program Aspects

The residency program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is characterized by a well-rounded approach to surgical training that also integrates a focus on the humanistic aspects of neurosurgery. Mentorship is a core component, with residents learning from experienced faculty who are leaders in their subspecialty domains. Moreover, the program values teamwork, recognizing that high-quality patient care is a collective effort involving different healthcare professionals 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Prospective residents should be aware that the neurosurgery residency at NYU is highly competitive, accepting only two to three applicants per year. The application is processed through the National Resident Matching Program and includes specific standards that candidates must meet. These may include eligibility based on year of medical school graduation and limitations on STEP exam attempts 4.

Visa Sponsorship

NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides visa support and can sponsor H-1B visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) who fulfill the program's eligibility criteria. This support is vital for IMGs seeking residency positions in the United States 4.

Resident Evaluation and Support

The program follows a rigorous evaluation process, assessing residents on core competencies and offering continuous feedback. Residents also have access to various wellness programs to promote work-life balance throughout their training 3.

Current Residents and Alumni

The success of the program is reflected in its alumni, with many graduates ascending to faculty positions at prestigious medical institutions. Current residents come from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, further enriching the residency program's collaborative atmosphere 2.