SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University is a specialized program designed to provide comprehensive training in managing spinal cord injuries (SCI). This fellowship is primarily hosted at the Syracuse VA Medical Center and Upstate University Hospital, both of which are located in Syracuse, New York. This unique collaboration allows fellows to benefit from the strengths and resources of both institutions, creating a robust educational environment focused on SCI care 1.

Fellowship Structure and Training Sites

The fellowship funds two positions annually and is accredited by ACGME through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The program is situated in the heart of academic Syracuse, which offers numerous amenities combined with the scenic beauty of Upstate New York. The primary training facilities include:

- **Syracuse VA Medical Center**: Host to a state-of-the-art Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders center, it boasts a large volume of both traumatic and non-traumatic SCI cases and includes a 30-bed dedicated SCI unit.

- **Upstate University Hospital**: Recognized as a Level I Trauma Center for adults and children, this facility serves a region of approximately 2 million people and has a comprehensive large spine care program in conjunction with neurosurgery and rehabilitation services.

Curriculum Overview

The program's curriculum encompasses both inpatient and outpatient care focusing on the complete spectrum of SCI treatment. While fellows will undertake core rotations concentrating on direct patient care, they will also have opportunities in advanced procedural training. Core rotations include:

- Inpatient and consultative care at the VA Medical Center and Upstate Hospital.

- Outpatient SCI medicine focusing on procedural skills such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and botulinum toxin injections.

- Neuro-urology, where fellows gain practical skills in managing neurogenic bladder.

Research and scholarly activity are central to the fellowship, and fellows are encouraged to engage in active research projects, with dedicated time allocated for these efforts. The findings are to be presented at major conferences like ASIA and ASCIP 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, allowing fellows to partake in ongoing projects and initiate their research endeavors. Areas of research include:

- Prominent human subjects research focusing on electrical stimulation techniques for bladder management and novel rehabilitation therapies.

- Analysis of large databases and systematic reviews to contribute to SCI advancements.

- The opportunity for collaborative projects with research assistants dedicated to helping fellows develop their study portfolios 1.

Unique Aspects

This fellowship embraces an interdisciplinary approach where fellows work closely with rehabilitation counselors, social workers, and other healthcare providers to navigate complex rehabilitation needs. Unique features of the program include:

- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as robotic exoskeletons and advanced communication devices for patients with ALS.

- The chance to observe various surgical procedures that contribute to SCI management, providing a comprehensive view of patient care from acute injury to rehabilitation 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship, including H-1B and J-1 visa types for qualified applicants. The fellowship is considered competitive, particularly for candidates with a strong background in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and healthcare experiences. Applicants are expected to demonstrate high proficiency in assessments and interventions related to SCI 2.

Application Requirements