Tower Health Program

The Child Neurology Residency Program at Tower Health provides comprehensive training for aspiring child neurologists centered on compassionate, evidence-based care. This program is situated at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where residents gain exposure to a wide array of clinical experiences. They engage with both common and rare neurologic conditions that enhance their skills in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders along with their associated medical and surgical complications 1.

The program is designed to prepare residents for the autonomous practice of child neurology, offering an academic environment that promotes clinical, educational, and research skills development. With an emphasis on wellness and work-life balance, the program supports residents in fostering independence in their practices 1.

Program Structure

The residency comprises a five-year categorical program, which includes two years of general pediatrics, one year of adult neurology, and two years of child neurology. The program accepts two residents each year 1. Training begins with pediatrics at St. Christopher’s followed by adult neurology at Temple University Hospital, with subsequent years devoted to child neurology rotations at St. Christopher’s 2.

Curriculum Overview

The early years of training focus on building a foundation in pediatrics, culminating in a structured three-year residency in child neurology. The first year is dedicated to adult neurology with an average of one in-hospital call per week. In the following two years, residents participate in comprehensive rotations that include a combination of inpatient and outpatient experiences without in-hospital calls 2.

Residents also have a weekly continuity clinic, ensuring consistent patient interaction throughout their training. Elective rotations are available in psychiatry, neurosurgery, genetics, and other subspecialties, allowing for further customization of the residency experience 6.

Education and Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes didactics and conferences, offering residents daily morning sessions and additional hours for protected learning each week. Educational activities typically include multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions that foster an environment of curiosity and collaboration 3.

Research participation is integral to the residency, with residents encouraged to engage in scholarly projects that result in presentations at national or international meetings. This prepares residents not only as practitioners but also as potential educators in the medical field 3.

Training Sites and Clinical Exposure

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children is a well-equipped facility with 188 beds, including a Level 1 trauma center and a pediatric burn unit. Residents are involved in diverse inpatient care scenarios, managing an array of pediatric neurological conditions alongside pediatric residents 6.

Outpatient training includes exposure to various subspecialty clinics, further enhancing the residents' breadth of knowledge in child neurology 6. Collaborations with other specialties are common, facilitating comprehensive care approaches for patients with complex needs.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applications for the Child Neurology Residency Program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program does not require a separate application for the General Pediatrics Residency, as it is integrated into the categorical program. The selection process is competitive, admitting two residents annually into the program, with detailed information on non-categorical positions available through ERAS 4.

Visa Support and Special Requirements

The program is known to support visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, facilitating the participation of a diverse candidate pool. Specific visa types typically sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible to qualified international applicants. While the program is generally IMG-friendly, applicants may need to meet certain competitiveness benchmarks, such as exam scores and prior training 4.

Faculty Support and Experienced Leadership

The program boasts a dedicated faculty comprising experienced child neurologists who are committed to resident education and mentorship. Faculty members are involved in various leadership roles and hold academic positions at Drexel University College of Medicine, further enriching the educational experience for residents 5.