SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a one-year program that offers comprehensive training in the field of neurophysiology. The fellowship has three available positions, with two tracks focusing on EEG/Epilepsy and one on EMG/Neuromuscular disorders. Applicants must apply specifically to their chosen track through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) via ERAS.

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must have successfully completed a three-year accredited residency program in either Neurology or Child Neurology in the United States or Canada. A minimum of three letters of recommendation is required, including one from the residency program director. The selection process includes faculty evaluation, interviews, and assessments of communication, professionalism, and motivation skills. Ultimately, a rank list is generated and submitted to NRMP after interviews are conducted.

Mission of the Program

The mission statement of the Clinical Neurophysiology Training Program at SUNY Downstate aligns closely with the broader objectives of the institution, which emphasizes education, compassionate care, and serving a culturally diverse population. The program aims to train proficient clinical neurophysiologists dedicated to improving the lives of patients with various neurological conditions, particularly epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders. The overarching commitment of the university focuses on excellent training and research, thereby enhancing healthcare delivery.

Overview of Training

The Clinical Neurophysiology Training Program is designed to provide fellows with extensive training across multiple disciplines within the field. Major areas of focus for training include electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), evoked potentials, intraoperative monitoring, and sleep studies. Fellows will spend approximately eighty percent of their training time in their primary area of interest while ensuring diverse exposure to other neurophysiological techniques.

Hands-on experience is integral to the training program, comprising not only practical exposure but also didactic educational lectures. Supervisory teaching is emphasized throughout the fellowship to ensure that fellows progress in autonomy and proficiency as their knowledge base expands.

Tracks of Specialization

EEG/Epilepsy Track

This track offers fellows exposure to both inpatient and outpatient EEG studies across a wide demographic, including adults, children, and neonates. The partnership with Kings County Hospital extends fellows' experiences with over 2,500 routine EEG studies and critical care EEGs conducted annually. The fellowship provides ample opportunities for managing epilepsy cases through weekly clinics, including therapy management for refractory epilepsy patients.

EMG/Neuromuscular Disorders Track

The EMG/Neuromuscular track includes comprehensive exposure to advanced neurophysiological techniques while working at dedicated EMG laboratories. Fellows are involved in conducting and interpreting EMG studies, participation in a neuromuscular clinic, and consultation for inpatient management, which reinforces their clinical expertise in managing neuromuscular disorders.

Educational Sessions and Conferences

The fellowship features a weekly didactic lecture series that encompasses a variety of topics relevant to clinical neurophysiology. Additional conferences provide learning opportunities in neurology grand rounds, epilepsy management, and neuromuscular discussions. There are also options for tailored rotations in related disciplines like sleep studies and intraoperative monitoring.

Training Institutions

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

This institution serves as the primary site for fellowship training. It includes an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit that specializes in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, providing prolonged video-EEG studies and routine EEG interpretations that fellows are actively involved in.

Kings County Hospital Center

As a major affiliate, Kings County Hospital Center offers fellows numerous opportunities to engage with diverse patient populations, especially in critical care and routine EEG settings. The combination of clinical exposure and academic rigor in this environment ensures a comprehensive training experience.

Maimonides Medical Center

This minor affiliate allows fellows to gain insights into private practice through outpatient EMG rotations. Fellows also participate in weekend duty to review and report on emergent EEGs under supervision.

Visa Sponsorship

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for eligible fellows. The program typically supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating both international medical graduates (IMGs) and domestic graduates with diverse backgrounds aiming to further their expertise in clinical neurophysiology.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate is considered a highly competitive program. It welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and graduates of osteopathic medical schools (DOs). The program values a comprehensive assessment of each candidate based on academia, recommendations, and interview performance, rather than on strict numerical cut-offs.

Application Requirements

Prospective fellows are encouraged to have completed their residency training within a reasonable time frame before application. The program does not specify a maximum number of failed USMLE or COMLEX exams, although candidates should demonstrate proficient knowledge through exam performance. Additionally, requirements include submission of a personal statement, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and relevant academic documentation at the time of application.