St Luke’s Hospital – Anderson Campus Program
Location:
Easton, PASpecialty:
Vascular neurologyACGME Code:
1884118001Vascular Neurology Fellowship Overview
The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at St. Luke’s University Health Network is a one-year ACGME accredited program designed to provide advanced training in stroke and vascular neurology. The program accepts two fellows per cycle, focusing on the comprehensive treatment and management of cerebrovascular diseases.
1St. Luke’s University Health Network consists of 12 hospitals, featuring one comprehensive and 11 primary stroke centers, allowing fellows to gain extensive experience treating over 2000 stroke patients annually.
1Curriculum
The fellowship features a structured curriculum with 13 blocks spanning the academic year, equivalent to 4 weeks each. Key components of the curriculum include:
- Inpatient Stroke Service (6 blocks): Fellows lead the inpatient stroke service, collaborating with residents and advanced practice providers to manage both primary and consultative stroke patients.
- Neurocritical Care (2 blocks): Involves training in the Neuro-ICU, where fellows manage critical patients, enhancing skills in acute stroke management.
- Interventional Neurosurgery (1.5 blocks): Hands-on experience with the interventional neurosurgery team during thrombectomies and other stroke interventions.
- Outpatient Vascular Clinic (1 block): Development of skills necessary for secondary stroke prevention and patient rehabilitation.
- Research (1 block): Time allocated for completing a required research or quality improvement project.
- Vascular Ultrasound (0.5 blocks): Participation in a specialized vascular neurology ultrasound course.
- Elective (1 block): Options for additional rotations including stroke program management.
Conferences and Education
The program emphasizes continued learning through various structured meetings:
- Vascular Conference: Monthly meetings where fellows present cases to enhance teaching and decision-making skills.
- Stroke Journal Club: Bi-monthly evaluations of current literature with a team of stroke specialists.
- Stroke PI Meeting: Cross-disciplinary meetings to assess stroke care practices and outcomes.
- Stroke Council Meeting: Strategic discussions on program management and complex case reviews.
Fellows also have opportunities for teaching, including Grand Rounds presentations on neurovascular topics.
3Research Opportunities
The fellowship requires fellows to complete at least one original project, which may focus on research or quality improvement initiatives. Fellows receive mentorship in research methods, and numerous opportunities for engagement at different levels are available, including involvement in national stroke trials.
4Faculty
The fellowship is led by a qualified faculty with extensive training and experience in vascular neurology. Key faculty members include:
- Program Director: Daniel Ackerman, MD, FAAN
- Assistant Program Director: Glenn Konsky, MD
- Various attending physicians with rich backgrounds in vascular disorders
Application Process
Applications for the Vascular Neurology Fellowship are accepted through ERAS. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications with any relevant documentation. Specific requirements regarding graduation year and examination scores are detailed in the program information.
2Visa Support
The program supports visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Generally, H-1B and J-1 visa types are sponsored.
Competitiveness and Applicant Profile
The fellowship program is considered competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). However, specific competitiveness dynamics and requirements regarding failed STEP exams or years since graduation may apply and should be confirmed within the program details.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows are provided with a comprehensive benefits package, which is competitive within the region. Information regarding salary details is included during the application process.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,844First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Easton, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Easton, PA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Easton, PA, has a moderate crime rate with certain areas being safer than others. It's always advisable to research specific neighborhoods for safety considerations.
- Fun Activities: Easton offers a charming historic downtown area with diverse shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks, trails, and the nearby Delaware River for recreational activities.
- Climate: Easton experiences a mix of all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow in the winter months.
- Races and Population: Easton has a diverse population with various races and cultural backgrounds, offering a rich multicultural environment.
- Education: Easton is home to various educational institutions, including Easton Area School District and Lafayette College, providing opportunities for learning and growth.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Easton is moderate, with affordable housing options compared to larger cities.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Allentown and Bethlehem are around 20-30 minutes away from Easton by car. Allentown is known for its cultural attractions, while Bethlehem offers a mix of history and entertainment.
- Pros: Charming historic downtown, diverse community, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Moderate crime rate, may experience harsh winters.
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