Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Greenville (Greer) Program

Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Greenville Neurology Residency Program Overview

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Neurology Residency Program, established in 2020, provides a fully accredited four-year categorical residency designed to cultivate skilled neurologists through comprehensive training in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach focusing on core competencies including patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. This holistic education is aimed at creating leaders in the field of neurology who are prepared to innovate and provide exemplary patient care 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the program is structured across four years, starting with a transitional year of Internal Medicine, which includes exposure to neurology. Each subsequent year builds upon the previous one:

PGY 1 Year

During the first year, residents rotate through various internal medicine services while participating in Neurology Continuity Clinics, allowing them to begin building their clinical skills and patient base. The> core components of the curriculum include:

• Four weeks of Inpatient Neurology
• Eight weeks of electives
• Four weeks of Emergency Medicine
• Longitudinal outpatient Neurology throughout the year

PGY 2 Year

Residents participate in a Neurology Boot Camp that provides a focused review of neurology fundamentals along with exposures to:

• Inpatient Neurology
• Outpatient Neurology
• Subspecialties like Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, and Neurocritical Care

PGY 3 Year

The third year delves deeper into subspecialties, including:

• Advanced Inpatient and Outpatient Neurology
• Child Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Board Review and Business of Neurology

PGY 4 Year

The final year emphasizes transitioning residents into independent practice with a focus on electives and personal curriculum development.

Training Sites

Residents undertake rotations at the state-of-the-art Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, a 820-bed Comprehensive Stroke Center and Level 1 Trauma Center, ensuring a diverse clinical experience that includes both primary patient care and consults across various teams including:

• Stroke Team
• General Neurology Team
• Neurocritical Care Team

Research Opportunities

The program encourages participation in ongoing research initiatives, allowing residents to engage with faculty members in various neurology subspecialties, refining their investigative skills and furthering the field's knowledge base.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Prisma Health Neurology Residency Program is distinguished by its commitment to wellness and mentorship, providing protected time for didactic sessions and annual retreats focusing on resident well-being. The program aims not just to teach clinical skills but also to foster strong friendships and collaborations among residents, which are instrumental throughout their careers 2.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process requires candidates to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Important eligibility criteria include:

• Graduation from medical school within the last three years
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation, with at least two from U.S.-trained physicians
• For international applicants, current ECFMG certification is mandatory

The program sponsors J-1 visas only, meaning international medical graduates must possess J-1 visa status to apply 8.

Competitive Nature of the Program

The residency program is known to be competitive, welcoming a diverse range of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. The holistic review process aims to assess candidates based on multiple qualifications beyond standardized testing scores, appreciating personal achievements and communication skills.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing them the opportunity to gain clinical experience in the United States.

Resident Life

Residents enjoy a collaborative and supportive environment, consistently highlighting the program's genuine emphasis on resident wellness, camaraderie, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. The vibrant community of Greenville offers ample outdoor recreation and cultural experiences that enhance the residency experience.