Univ of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Program

The Adult Neurology Residency Program at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, located in Fargo, N.D., is a comprehensive four-year categorical program. This residency aligns with the National Residency Matching Program, accepting three residents annually. Upon matching into the program, residents are assured preliminary positions within the Transitional Year Residency Program, enhancing their foundational training in internal medicine. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and operates out of the state-of-the-art Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, which serves as the primary training site.

Training is predominantly conducted at Sanford Health in Fargo, with additional opportunities at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D., and the Fargo VA Health Care System. The diversity of these training sites enables residents to experience a broad range of clinical exposures and subspecialties, with the option of completing a three-month pediatric neurology rotation in Sioux Falls.

The Sanford Medical Center features a Comprehensive Stroke Center, multiple Centers of Excellence in specialties such as Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's Disease, and a dedicated Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. This facility provides a unique training environment with robust resources for education, research, and clinical practice, contributing to the program's aim of producing highly competent and compassionate neurologists.

Program Aims

The primary objectives of the Neurology Residency Program include: preparing residents for independent practice as board-certified neurologists, addressing the workforce shortage of neurologists in the Dakotas, fostering collegial relationships between residents and faculty, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. The program also emphasizes tailoring training to the individual career aspirations of residents, including opportunities in subspecialty fellowships through leadership and research initiatives.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes a structured rotation schedule that evolves through the residency years, commencing with foundational experiences and advancing to more complex cases. Residents dedicate each Thursday afternoon to didactic lectures that cover an array of topics including grand rounds, clinical science, and basic neuroscience. This academic structure ensures that residents receive a well-rounded education while being free from clinical duties during these learning hours 1.

The program places significant emphasis on research, augmented by resources and mentorship provided by Sanford Health. Residents have the opportunity to engage in various research projects, with each expected to complete at least one publishable project by the conclusion of their training. Research opportunities extend across both laboratory and clinical environments, aiming to contribute to advancing neurological care 2.

Application Requirements

Prospective residents will be required to submit their applications electronically through the Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS). The application timeline typically spans from early September to early December, with essential documents including complete medical school transcriptions, letters of recommendation, and USMLE / COMLEX scores 3. While there are no strict minimum score requirements, competitive candidates will often have achieved passing results on their initial attempts. It is crucial to note that the program does not provide visa sponsorship, limiting applicants to those with valid certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or unrestricted medical licenses within the United States 4.

Resident Life and Community

Life as a resident at the UND Neurology Residency Program emphasizes camaraderie and professional growth within a supportive environment. The Fargo area, characterized by its vibrant cultural scene, thriving downtown, and affordable living, provides residents with plenty of recreational opportunities. Social activities, wellness retreats, and advocacy events enhance the sense of community among residents, fostering lifelong connections 5.

Training Sites

The residency train at several prominent facilities within the region, specifically Sanford Health in Fargo and Sioux Falls, and the Fargo VA Health Care System. These sites provide a rich array of clinical experiences across multiple disciplines, enhancing the educational opportunities available to residents while serving diverse patient populations 6.

Research and Opportunities

The residency program encourages participation in various research initiatives and scholarly activities. Residents can expect to benefit from dedicated time allocated for research during their third and fourth years, alongside opportunities for presentations at scientific meetings and manuscript submissions to prestigious journals. This research component is integral to the curriculum, aiming to produce graduates who are not only skilled clinicians but also engaging contributors to the field of neurology.