University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham) Program

Epilepsy Fellowship Program Overview

The Epilepsy Fellowship Program at the University of Alabama Medical Center is designed to provide comprehensive training exceeding the expectations for rigorous medical and surgical management of epilepsy. This program aims to equip fellows with the clinical skills required for high-quality, patient-centered care, preparing them for independent practice.

This fellowship spans two years, comprising an ACGME-accredited Year 1 and an advanced Year 2 focused on complex epilepsy management. In the first year, fellows enhance their knowledge in electroencephalography (EEG) and develop critical clinical skills pertinent to epilepsy treatment. The second year involves advanced training, including direct involvement with surgical procedures and a significant focus on conducting research in epilepsy.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to promote comprehensive learning through a series of rotations. Key components of the first-year rotation include:

• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
• Long Term Monitoring (LTM) within an ICU environment
• Veteran’s Administration Medical Center
• Children’s Hospital of Alabama

During the non-EMU rotations, fellows engage in outpatient continuity clinics at UAB and Cooper Green Hospital. The electives offer opportunities in various specialized areas, including:

• Pediatric Outpatient
• Advanced Surgical Treatments
• Neuroradiology
• Neurocritical Care and Neurosurgery
• Epilepsy Subspecialty Clinics

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages scholarly activities, ensuring that fellows engage in quality improvement projects alongside active clinical research. The UAB Epilepsy Center hosts an extensive research program with various ongoing NIH-funded projects, emphasizing innovative areas such as:

• Functional imaging techniques for seizure disorders
• Neuroimaging methodologies measuring neuroinflammation
• Investigation on the effects of cannabis in epilepsy
• Exploring epilepsy epigenetics and exercise impacts on memory in epilepsy

Didactic Training

Didactic teachings include an initial epilepsy “boot camp” to familiarize newcomers with essential EEG techniques and management practices. Weekly neurology Grand Rounds, a noon Epilepsy conference, and a monthly Journal Club are integral parts of the educational experience, enabling fellows to broaden their understanding of current research and practices in epilepsy.

Call Schedule and Clinical Experience

Throughout the fellowship, fellows are expected to maintain a rigorous call schedule, especially during their time on the EMU, where they participate in patient management from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fellows rotate overnight and on weekends under the supervision of attending physicians, ensuring that adequate guidance is always available.

Clinical Facilities and Training Sites

The UAB Epilepsy Center stands as Alabama's only fully-accredited Level IV adult epilepsy center, indicating an exceptional standard of clinical care. Equipments such as a clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG) laboratory and various imaging technologies ensure fellows gain hands-on experience in the latest diagnostic tools.

With a capacity plan expansion for an increased number of EMU beds and sophisticated surgical suites—including facilities for intraoperative MRI—the center offers extensive resources for drug-resistant epilepsy management. Fellows will access numerous specialized clinics aimed at comprehensive patient care, including Women with Epilepsy and Neuromodulation clinics.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides competitive salaries adjusted to the training level, along with comprehensive health benefits covering medical, dental, and vision for both fellows and their dependents. An annual educational allowance supports fellows in attending conferences and acquiring educational materials.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program offers visa support for qualified applicants, which may include H-1B and J-1 visa sponsorship, making it amenable to international medical graduates (IMGs). The application process is competitive, typically favoring those with a solid academic background. The program is particularly friendly toward applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs, providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates. Specific application requirements may include curtailing the number of failed STEP exams, aligning with the program's rigorous standards.