Residency Advisor

Overview of the Neurology Residency Program

The UMass Chan Medical School Neurology Residency Program in Worcester is dedicated to fostering the growth of the next generation of academic neurologists equipped with expert clinical skills, inquisitive scientific reasoning, and dedication to education. Established in 1977, the program has a longstanding commitment to providing unmatched clinical exposure, a comprehensive educational experience, and world-class research opportunities, all delivered in a collegial environment that prioritizes resident wellness and engagement.

The program accepts eight neurology residents each year, and preliminary PGY-1 internal medicine positions are available for residency candidates who choose to pursue neurology. Importantly, there is also a combined residency option in neurology and psychiatry, though the application for this track is separate from the standard neurology application.

1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum within the residency program is meticulously crafted to encompass core elements essential for a proficient neurologist, adhering to the standards set by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. This includes a diverse array of clinical rotations assessing various domains such as inpatient stroke, wards, consult services, EEG, EMG, neurocritical care, and a community neurohospitalist rotation. Residents benefit from UMass Memorial Health Care, recognized as a leading tertiary academic medical center and a certified comprehensive stroke center, ensuring exposure to a varying patient demographic and complex neurological conditions.

1

Global Health and Advocacy Track

The program emphasizes global health and social justice by providing a dedicated track focusing on educational collaboration with international sites and engagement in global health initiatives. Residents participate in core global health modules and are encouraged to travel to elective sites to complete related research projects. This experience aims to elevate the exposure to neurological conditions in diverse settings, enriching the resident's training and understanding of health equity and social justice.

9

Elective Options and Flexibility

UMass Chan Medical School offers multiple elective rotations throughout the residency, allowing residents to tailor their educational experiences to suit personal interests. Elective options include specialized fields such as epilepsy, movement disorders, neuropathology, and neurorehabilitation, among others. The program employs the X+Y block schedule, allowing residents uninterrupted immersion in either inpatient or outpatient settings without the conflict of dual responsibilities. This model has demonstrated improvements in residents' educational experience and satisfaction.

7

Research Opportunities

A pivotal aspect of the residency is the encouragement of scholarly activity and clinical research, supported by a robust mentorship framework. The program provides pathways for residents to engage in various research projects with dedicated mentors, including a distinct Research Track that allocates time specifically for research endeavors without clinical duties. The UMass Chan Medical School stands out in the realm of research, emphasizing translational studies in fields such as neurodegenerative disease and stroke.

10

Wellness and Resident Support

Recognizing the importance of wellness, the UMass Chan Medical School Neurology Residency Program prioritizes resident mental health and wellbeing through a resident-run care team. The program fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where residents are encouraged to participate in shaping their training and fostering innovations within the residency program.

1

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

UMass Chan Medical School offers sponsorship for various visa types, catering to international medical graduates seeking residency training in the U.S. The program is regarded as competitive, with a focus on inclusivity and a welcoming stance towards both Osteopathic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), ensuring a diverse applicant pool.

1

Application Requirements

While the specific details regarding application requirements can vary, it is recommended that applicants maintain a solid academic record, with no more than one failure on the USMLE Step exams, and ideally graduate within a specified timeframe from medical school. The program seeks well-rounded candidates eager to contribute to the rich educational environment at UMass Chan.

1

Educational Commitment and Faculty Support

The commitment to education is evident in the structured educational tracks such as the Clinician Educator Track, which prepares residents aiming to pursue careers in medical education. This track is supported by a curriculum that fortifies teaching leadership and scholarship within neurology.

8

Neurohumanities Program

The UMass Chan Medical School Neurology Residency Program includes the innovative Neurohumanities curriculum, designed to intersect the fields of neurology and humanities, fostering self-awareness, communication skills, and understanding of the humanistic aspects of medical practice. Through discussions and seminars, residents learn the importance of empathy and the impact of neurological diseases on individual lives.

6

Website

My Notes

You can write notes and rank programs privately for yourself. Then you can compare
them.

Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Director

Kate Daniello, MDAssociate Professor of Neurology, Program Director Appointed Since July 2020 -

Program

Program Size

8, 8, 8 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since January 1970

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

14hrs

First Year Salary:

$73,602

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

94%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

1.5X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

220

Visa Sponsorship:

J1

YOG Cutoff:

5

Match History

3050180A0

2024

8 of 8

2023

8 of 8

2022

8 of 8

2021

8 of 8

2020

8 of 8

3050180R0

2024

1 of 1

2023

0 of 1

Location

Worcester, MA

Population
862,111
Income
$94,099
Education
41.4%
Employment
63.5%
Health
2.7%
Age
40

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:

Crime Rate and Safety:

Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.

Fun Activities:

Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.

Climate:

Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.

Races and Population:

Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.

Education:

Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.

Cost of Living:

The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.

Proximity to Bigger Cities:

Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.

Pros and Cons:

One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.

Interview Questions

trash icon

Comments

Nearby Programs

Neurology

Other Specialties

References