Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Child Neurology Program offers a comprehensive two-year residency program that integrates clinical training and research to develop highly skilled neurologists specializing in pediatric neurology. The program is designed to provide residents with an in-depth understanding of a variety of neurological conditions affecting children, including developmental disorders, seizures, and neuromuscular diseases.

This residency program is hands-on and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that residents write their own defining narrative in the field of child neurology. The curriculum integrates milestones from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and is tailored to provide a robust foundation in both clinical practice and research.

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises distinct components, which include clinical rotations, outpatient care, and neurological diagnostics. Residents engage in supervised consultations, participate in rounds, and lead discussions about patient care. The experience encompasses rotations across diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient services, and specialized neurology units.

Furthermore, the OHSU Child Neurology Program underscores the importance of research, encouraging residents to engage in projects that explore significant questions within pediatric neurology. Residents are provided mentorship to develop their research skills and are expected to present their findings at national conferences.

Rotations

Residents will rotate through various units which include general pediatric neurology, epilepsy, neurophysiology, neurogenetics, and rehabilitation medicine. These rotations are tailored to enhance the residents’ understanding of complex cases, while also enabling them to interact with multi-specialty teams. During these rotations, the residents have the opportunity to gain exposure to different methodologies and clinical strategies.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital part of the training within the OHSU Child Neurology Program. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities that can lead to publication in reputable medical journals. Additionally, the program supports residents in securing research funding and provides opportunities to collaborate with OHSU faculty members who have expertise in various research domains related to child neurology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

OHSU's Child Neurology Program prides itself on a commitment to innovation within pediatric neurology. The program fosters a family-centered approach, ensuring that the residents learn to engage with both patients and caregivers effectively. Moreover, OHSU emphasizes the significance of addressing health disparities, and the residents are trained to provide culturally competent care that meets the diverse needs of the Portland community.

Training Sites

Training primarily takes place at the OHSU Hospital, which has a dedicated pediatric unit that integrates advanced practices in child health. Residents also gain experience at affiliated sites that offer different aspects of pediatric care, enriching their clinical exposure.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The OHSU Child Neurology Program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa applications, facilitating the residency for qualified candidates from abroad.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The OHSU Child Neurology Program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from USMLE takers and international medical graduates (IMGs), including DO graduates, fostering an inclusive ethos poised to build a diverse cohort of future clinicians. Candidates must meet specific application requirements including education within the last several years and a maximum of two failed USMLE Step exams to be eligible for consideration.

The residency deeply values dedication to the specialty, showcasing leadership and clinical excellence through prior training and experiences. Residents are expected to demonstrate a passion for pediatric neurology through their applications and candid interviews.