SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program

The Child Neurology Residency Program at Saint Louis University (SLU) offers a comprehensive three-year training that is fully accredited and is a categorical program dedicated to the education of child neurologists. Each year, the program accepts two categorical residents, who also benefit from a partnership with the Saint Louis University Pediatric Residency Program, ensuring them a PGY1 position upon matching.

During the initial two years, residents immerse themselves in the Pediatric Residency Program. This training focuses on diagnosing and treating a range of neurologic diseases within a diverse pediatric population, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition into the Child Neurology specialization.

Mission and Commitment

The mission of the Division of Child Neurology is aligned with the principles of serving community health and advancing medical knowledge. The program strives to create a nurturing environment that supports research, education, and service, while simultaneously developing future practitioners capable of leading in the field of child neurology. The faculty prioritize mentoring, promoting an inclusive culture, and establishing a balance between professional commitment and personal well-being.

Curriculum Structure

Saint Louis University's Child Neurology residency curriculum is crafted based on national guidelines tailored by experienced faculty. This curriculum serves not just as a guideline but as a strong foundation for the medical knowledge and skills required for competent practice in child neurology. Weekly didactic sessions contribute to a robust educational experience, which includes neuroscience basics, translational neurology, clinical skills, and career development training.

Additionally, children neurology residents engage in specialized academic conferences, including case discussions and journal clubs, further enhancing their learning experience within the program. Research participation is encouraged, with opportunities to collaborate alongside faculty in areas such as epilepsy, headache disorders, and pediatric sleep disorders. Residents cultivate essential research skills, leading to potential publications and presentations at local and national conferences.

Rotation and Electives

The residency training incorporates a well-structured rotation framework. The first year primarily includes adult neurology experiences, focusing on critical skills essential for diagnosing and managing neurological conditions. This consists of participating in inpatient and outpatient services while learning through significant clinical exposure.

As residents progress to their second and third years, they receive hands-on training in dedicated child neurology settings, encompassing various clinics that cater to specifics such as general child neurology, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neurofibromatosis, among others.

The residency demands participation in a faculty-supported research project and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring that graduating residents are well-rounded in both clinical and research domains. Elective opportunities are available to broaden the clinical experience across subspecialties, affirming the program's commitment to comprehensive education.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty members constituting the program exemplify a diverse yet cohesive unit dedicated to nurturing the residents. With a low faculty-to-resident ratio, the faculty creates a personal and supportive environment. This fosters substantive mentorship, where residents can engage freely about clinical practices, research, and personal development. Strong education is a hallmark of the department, reflected in the positive experiences highlighted by current residents.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The Child Neurology Residency Program at SLU is recognized for its competitive nature. Applications are accepted from graduates of medical schools, with an emphasis on outstanding academic credentials. International medical graduates are welcomed but must possess a valid ECFMG certificate alongside completed USMLE exams. Notably, the program does not sponsor H-1B visas, which may limit eligibility for certain international applicants.

Eligibility criteria include successful completion of the first two steps of the USMLE, and candidates must undergo a personal interview. Due to the program's size and the exceptional quality of applicants, each year’s acceptance is highly selective, prioritizing those with exemplary qualifications and a strong passion for child neurology.

Facilities and Training Sites

The program is primarily conducted at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, a distinguished pediatric facility that provides a wide array of clinical resources, including specialized labs and advanced diagnostic tools such as neurophysiology and EEG facilities. This allows residents to engage hands-on with pioneering practices in child neurology.

Adult neurology training occurs at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, equipped with advanced emergency care and specialized units. Both facilities work in tandem, promoting an integrative training approach that emphasizes interdepartmental collaboration.

Work-Life Balance

This residency program is recognized for placing significant emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The supportive atmosphere cultivated by faculty encourages residents to achieve academic and professional success while also prioritizing their personal lives.

Visa Support

The program generally does not sponsor H-1B visas, focusing on a streamlined process for U.S. and Canadian medical graduates. However, international applicants must have proper documentation to participate successfully in the program.