Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at Rhode Island Hospital, affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, offers a comprehensive training program designed to develop expertise in the management and treatment of vascular neurologic disorders. The fellowship is closely integrated with the Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, recognized for its exceptional quality of care as a Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and awarded the Gold Plus/Target Stroke Center designation by the American Heart/Stroke Association. The program prioritizes clinical excellence, education, and research in vascular neurosciences.

The training program consists of a variety of clinical experiences aimed at optimizing the fellow's ability to provide high-standard care for patients suffering from neurovascular diseases. Annually, the fellowship offers involvement with over 1,100 ischemic stroke patients, 250 with intracerebral hemorrhages, and more than 80 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhages. The program also boasts an impressive median delivery time of 40 minutes for intravenous thrombolysis.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship lasts one year, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. The fellows engage in diverse rotations including:

• 24 weeks on Vascular Neurology Inpatient Service
• 6 weeks of Consults at The Miriam Hospital (Primary Stroke Center)
• 4 weeks in Neuro-ICU
• 2 weeks each in Neurosonology and Neuroradiology/Neurointerventional Radiology
• 1 week in Neurorehabilitation
• 1 week in Telestroke
• 7 weeks of electives (6 track-specific)
• 4 weeks of vacation
• 1 half-day of clinic per week during most rotations

Fellows have the unique opportunity to select a track to bolster and focus their training. Tracks available include Endovascular, Neurorehabilitation, Neurohospitalist, and Research. Completion of these tracks is noted on the fellowship certificate.

Call Responsibilities

While fellows are on the inpatient rotation, they are required to take calls—2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Call duties involve leading vascular ward rounds, supervising code strokes, and attending cerebral angiograms, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to emergent care.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship integrates both clinical responsibilities and research initiatives. The program is a site for NIH StrokeNet and is involved in enrolling patients in various industry and government-sponsored trials. The dedicated research team supports the fellows in their scholarly activities, offering resources for clinical trials and research projects.

Application Process

Prospective applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency and provide specific documents including: a current curriculum vitae, a professional photo, a personal statement, and three letters of reference, one of which must come from the residency program director. The fellowship uses the ERAS electronic application service and participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 visa types, and given the rigorous training and comprehensive exposure offered in the program, it is considered competitive for applicants, including both DO and IMG candidates. Successful candidates typically meet high performance standards, reflecting a commitment to excellence in neurological care.

Educational Conferences and Faculty Engagement

Fellows are provided with continuous educational support attending various recurring conferences aimed at furthering their knowledge and skills in vascular neurology. They work alongside a distinguished faculty of 7 vascular neurologists and neurohospitalists who are deeply committed to both education and community outreach.