Tower Health Program

The Neurology Residency Program at Tower Health has achieved initial accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a comprehensive Categorical Program designed to span four years with a total of 24 resident positions, admitting six residents per year. The program emphasizes a robust educational experience, supporting the growth of competent neurologists who can excel in clinical practices and healthcare settings.

All applicants are required to submit their applications and relevant documentation via the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Essential items for the application include:

• Common Application Form (CAF)
• Medical school transcript
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), formerly known as the "Dean's Letter"
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement and CV
• USMLE/COMLEX scores, with passing on the first attempt preferred (COMLEX scores over 490 are encouraged)
• ECFMG status report for international graduates

The deadline for application submission is set for December 31, 2024.

For international graduates, the program supports J1 and H1B visa types. Applicants from outside the United States must have their USMLE scores with passing results on the initial attempt and should have no specific cut-off date for medical school graduation. However, US clinical experience is strongly preferred to enhance applicants’ competencies in the residency program.

The selection process involves review by the Selection Committee, with interview invitations extended via email. Interviews occur virtually throughout the interview season, which lasts until late January. The program does not provide application status updates.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive training through various rotations across different neurology specializations. This entails a mix of inpatient and outpatient experiences, exposing residents to the full spectrum of neurological care, including neurocritical care, EEG, EMG, and a longitudinal continuity clinic, ensuring well-rounded educational exposure.

Training Sites

The primary teaching site for the Neurology residency is Reading Hospital, a long-established medical center that offers a full array of healthcare services and specializes in various fields. The hospital has earned its reputation as a Level 1 Trauma Center and serves as a regional referral center, highlighting its capability to manage complex neurology cases effectively.

Another critical site is St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, recognized for its expertise in pediatric neurology. This facility provides care for various neurological conditions in children and offers rotations in child neurology for residents during their PGY-3 and PGY-4 years, building their competence in treating diverse pediatric cases.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program is supported by a dedicated and experienced faculty, including specialists in various areas of neurology such as epilepsy, movement disorders, child neurology, and neurophysiology. Faculty members are responsible for providing mentorship and supervision, ensuring a collaborative educational atmosphere that promotes resident welfare and success.

Faculty members actively engage in research and clinical practice, contributing to an educational environment rich with knowledge and advanced clinical practices. This supportive mentorship is essential for residents as they progress through their training.

Resident Diversity

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, accepting applicants from various medical schools domestically and internationally. The current residents represent numerous institutions, illustrating the program’s commitment to fostering a rich learning environment that benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences.