Residency Advisor
St Louis, MO

Specialty:

Neurology

ACGME Code:

1802821060

NRMP Program Code:

1365180C0
YOG 5STEP 230 Research Focused IMG FriendlyJ1H1B

Considering the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Adult Neurology Residency Program provides insight into a robust training experience tailored for future neurologists. Situated in St. Louis, this program is dedicated to excellent patient care, education, and groundbreaking research in neurological disorders. The program aims to foster the development of competent and compassionate neurologists who can thrive in both clinical settings and academic environments.

Program Structure

The Adult Neurology Residency program spans four years, initiating with a PGY-1 internship that transitions into a full-time commitment to neurology beginning at PGY-2. Residents benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses inpatient and outpatient rotations through diverse facilities, including the SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, and the John Cochran VA Medical Center. This wide-ranging exposure equips residents to deal with a variety of neurological conditions from different patient demographics, enhancing their clinical reasoning and adaptability skills 1.

Training Curriculum

The training curriculum is meticulously crafted with a competency-based schedule that progresses in complexity. During the initial years, residents focus on fundamental aspects of neurology, while the later years emphasize leadership and supervisory roles. The residents experience different subspecialties such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep medicine through structured rotations. Each year, residents participate in hands-on procedural training, didactics, and case discussions, ensuring well-rounded development 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the residency experience. Residents are encouraged to engage in departmental research activities and must complete certification courses before starting. Opportunities abound for presenting findings at national conferences, supported by funding allocations dedicated for this purpose. A requirement to participate in a quality improvement (QI) project underscores the program's emphasis on real-world clinical impact and continuous learning 3.

Wellness and Mentorship

Wellness is a principal focus, with programs designed to support residents' mental, emotional, and physical health during their training. The mentorship framework ensures that seasoned neurologists provide guidance to residents, helping them navigate clinical challenges while fostering growth and development. Programs intended for work-life balance allow residents to prioritize self-care and personal interests 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The application process to the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Adult Neurology Residency is competitive, with approximately 60 candidates interviewed for six available positions. The residency utilizes ERAS for applications and engages in the NRMP for the matching process. Candidates are highly encouraged to apply early. The program sponsors J-1 visas for most applicants, and limited H-1B visas available for exceptional cases. Special requirements include graduation from medical school in the last few years, with no maximum limit on failed STEP exams stated clearly in the program guidelines 2.5.

Unique Aspects and Training Sites

The program's training sites, including the main university hospital, provide unique clinical experiences that may not be readily available in other programs. As Saint Louis University is a comprehensive stroke center, residents encounter rare cases, enhancing their learning and exposure. The curriculum is not only rigorous but also balanced with ample mentorship and wellness initiatives, creating a supportive environment. Each year culminates with residents presenting results from their research or QI projects, further solidifying their learning and contributions to the community 4.

Graduation and Career Support

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for fellowships or practice in the field of neurology, with notable placements in esteemed programs across the nation. Alumni are currently succeeding in varied subspecialties, and many have returned to join the faculty at SSM Health/Saint Louis University, cementing the program's legacy of excellence in training and education 3.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Director

Jafar Kafaie, MD, PhD
Professor
Appointed Since
October 2017
-

Program

Program Size

6, 6, 6, 6 (4 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since March 1960

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

65 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

24 hours

First Year Salary:

$62,609

First Year Paid Vacation:

21 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

42 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
91%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
1.1X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
230
Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1
YOG Cutoff:
5

Match History

Track: 1365180C0

2024

6 of 6

2023

6 of 6

2022

6 of 6

2021

5 of 6

2020

5 of 5
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

St. Louis, MO

Population
1,004,125
Income
$81,441
Education
48.7%
Employment
63.8%
Health
5.3%
Age
40
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is a diverse city offering a mix of urban and suburban living. Here is an overview of different aspects of living in St. Louis

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    St. Louis has areas with varying crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, the city has made improvements in safety but like any big city, precautions are still necessary.
  • Fun Activities
    St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, diverse food scene, museums, and sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues. There are also many parks and outdoor recreational activities available.
  • Climate
    St. Louis experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant.
  • Races and Population
    St. Louis has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural scene.
  • Education
    St. Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for continuing education and cultural events.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for residents.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities
    St. Louis is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, and a 5-hour drive from Kansas City, MO. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options.

Pros
Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural experiences, plenty of outdoor activities.

Cons
Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.

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