Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Neurology Residency Program Overview

The Neurology Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a four-year, ACGME-accredited program that admits five residents each year. This program is designed to foster clinical excellence, empower residents as educators, and promote advancements in the field through scholarly endeavors.

Residents are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to push the boundaries of neuroscience, thus driving innovation and advancing patient care. The program has a strong commitment to research, education, and the well-being of residents, ensuring a supportive community that values professional growth.

Curriculum and Training

The Neurology Residency program is structured around active patient-care experiences. With a 2:1 ratio of attending faculty to residents, there is ample opportunity for personalized teaching. The training is organized into several key areas of neurology:

• Neuromuscular disease
• Stroke and vascular neurology
• Epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology
• Movement disorders
• Multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology
• Cognitive and behavioral neurology
• Neurorehabilitation
• Pediatric neurology

Residents experience a well-rounded curriculum that includes an integrated internal medicine internship, a six-week dedicated neurology block, night float system, and extensive elective time. They undergo comprehensive didactics, including morning reports, noon lectures, and neurology grand rounds.

Research Opportunities

The program recognizes the importance of research in developing future leaders in neurology. Residents can apply for grants under the mentorship of NIH-funded researchers and participate in various tracks focused on either research or clinical education. This flexibility allows residents to tailor their experiences according to their career goals.

Well-Being and Support

The program emphasizes resident wellness through various initiatives. A dual wellness program is resident-driven and department-driven, fostering a supportive atmosphere among trainees. The program offers numerous wellness activities, including retreats, game nights, and social gatherings to strengthen resident relations and enhance mental health.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program prides itself on its commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment. An active Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides multiple programs aimed at promoting diversity among faculty, staff, and students.

Application Process

All applications must be processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The primary application components include a personal statement, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation (at least three, with one from a neurologist), and USMLE/COMLEX transcripts.

International medical graduates are welcome to apply but must meet certain criteria, including having graduated from medical school within five years and obtaining ECFMG certification before the Match. The program only sponsors J-1 visas for internationally-trained graduates.

Program Competitiveness

The Neurology Residency at Penn State is considered competitive, with a comprehensive and holistic approach to reviewing applications from both U.S. and international candidates. U.S. clinical experience is preferred but not strictly required.

Training Sites

Residents train at several distinguished clinical locations:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Penn State Neuroscience Institute
• Lebanon VA Medical Center
• Penn State Rehabilitation Hospital

This diverse exposure facilitates a well-rounded understanding of neuroscience.

Quality of Life

Those who choose to reside in Hershey, Pennsylvania, enjoy a fantastic lifestyle with a low cost of living and access to numerous amenities. The medical center is a tertiary referral center, catering to rural and urban populations, delivering both common and rare neurological care.