Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Overview of the Vascular Neurology (Stroke) Fellowship

The Vascular Neurology (Stroke) Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive one-year training program accredited by the ACGME, designed to provide extensive experience in the management of cerebrovascular diseases. Each year, the program admits one fellow who will receive specialized training tailored to stroke care, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, vascular dementia, prevention techniques, acute treatment modalities, and comprehensive assessment methodologies for stroke-related conditions.

Training Environment and Clinical Opportunities

Fellows in this program will be trained at a major stroke center that caters to over 2 million patients across central Pennsylvania, serving a substantial underserved population. The facility is notable for its role as a tertiary referral center, managing a significant volume of patients presenting with various cerebrovascular diseases. This setting allows fellows to engage in diverse clinical rotations, covering all aspects of stroke management from prevention to rehabilitation.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The fellowship emphasizes active participation in clinical and translational research. Fellows are encouraged to be involved in ongoing clinical trials related to stroke prevention, neuroimaging, and treatment options tailored to acute stroke scenarios. This interaction with cutting-edge research broadens the fellow's understanding of current methodologies and innovations in the field.

Education and Teaching Responsibilities

Fellows will also have teaching responsibilities, which include instructing medical students, residents, and participating in community outreach initiatives. This teaching component helps cultivate their professional skills and educational leadership while giving back to the academic community.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is carefully structured to include exposure to various clinical aspects, including neuroultrasound, neurocritical care, and advanced neuroimaging vital for stroke care. The fellowship's commitment to multidisciplinary education and research enables fellows to develop a well-rounded skill set in managing complex stroke cases.

Call Responsibilities and Work-Life Balance

Fellows can expect to participate in on-call coverage from home at assigned intervals, with the total call time not exceeding six months over the training year. They will benefit from 24/7 supervision and support from attending physicians, facilitating a balanced environment conducive to both learning and personal wellbeing.

Application Process and Requirements

The fellowships accept applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Eligible candidates should have completed an ACGME-approved neurology residency and must be board-eligible or board-certified in neurology. In addition, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a J-1 visa sponsored through ECFMG, as the institution does not sponsor other visa types.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The selection process for the fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their clinical experience, research interests, and their potential to contribute to the stroke community upon completion of the fellowship. U.S. clinical experience is advantageous, and fellows are expected to have robust clinical skills and a genuine interest in stroke medicine.

Support for International Medical Graduates

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) interested in the fellowship are welcomed as long as they meet the above application criteria and are ECFMG certified. The department conducts a holistic review of applications, valuing diverse clinical backgrounds and perspectives.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides fellows with an educational stipend, four weeks of paid vacation time, and four days allocated for educational meetings or conferences. This financial and professional support represents the program's commitment to the fellows' growth both within and beyond the fellowship.

Wellness and Support Systems

The program closely monitors the wellness of its fellows, providing resources to support emotional, spiritual, and social health, ensuring that fellows can thrive personally and professionally throughout their training.