University of Alabama Medical Center Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Alabama Medical Center is a comprehensive one-year ACGME accredited program designed to offer extensive training in the field of vascular neurology. This program is distinguished by its emphasis on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of both acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Fellows are trained in interpretation of neurovascular imaging including neurosonology, the management of intracranial and cervical vascular diseases, and outpatient management of stroke patients, including rehabilitation strategies. Acute teleneurology is also a component of the fellowship.

Fellows have the opportunity to train at two prestigious locations: the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital and the Birmingham Veterans Administration Hospital. The UAB stroke service operates a dedicated stroke unit and a 40-bed Neurocritical Care Unit, providing fellows with a diverse exposure to cerebrovascular diseases. Being the primary tertiary referral center for neurology in Alabama and surrounding areas, the fellowship allows for extensive clinical experience.

The program ensures that all faculty members are actively engaged in various research activities, including acute stroke management, neurosonology, stroke systems of care, neuroimaging, and pharmacology. Fellows are encouraged to participate in existing research projects, clinical trials, and to initiate their own research endeavors. This supportive environment fosters the development of research skills critical for a successful academic career in medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship structure is carefully designed and involves a combination of inpatient rotations, outpatient clinics, and didactic sessions. Each fellow is required to complete various rotations, including:

• Inpatient Stroke Service: Fellows oversee management of stroke patients admitted to the service, collaborating with a team of residents and advanced practice providers.
• Neurorehabilitation Rotation: This involves monitoring patients' recovery post-stroke in the Spain Rehabilitation Hospital.
• Neurosonology Rotation: Fellows learn techniques in carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, gaining hands-on experience.
• Neurocritical Care Rotation: In this rotation, fellows will manage patients in the Neurocritical Intensive Care Unit, enhancing their critical care expertise.
• Acute Teleneurology Rotation: Training in managing acute stroke patients via a telemedicine network is provided during a focused period at the beginning of the fellowship.
• Medical Subspecialty Clinic Rotation: Fellows explore the overlap between cerebrovascular conditions and other medical disciplines through collaborations with cardiology and hematology clinics.

Fellows also have 3 months designated for elective rotations, allowing the pursuit of additional training in areas such as neuroimaging or neurointerventional surgery.

Outpatient Clinics

As part of their training, fellows will maintain a biweekly continuity clinic in stroke at the Kirklin Clinic, managing follow-ups and referrals, including rare cerebrovascular disorders. Additionally, a biweekly continuity clinic at the VA focuses primarily on common stroke etiologies and vascular risk factor management.

Didactics and Conferences

The program places significant importance on education, offering structured didactic sessions weekly. These include:

• Fellow Conference: A biweekly conference led by fellows that covers topics and recent journal articles.
• Neuroradiology Conference: A weekly meeting where cases are presented for neuroimaging review.
• Grand Rounds: Faculty and guest lectures on various neurology topics.
• Neurovascular Case Conference: Weekly multidisciplinary meetings to discuss complex stroke cases.
• Stroke Journal Club: A platform for the presentation and discussion of recent studies.

Additionally, fellows engage in educational activities by delivering lectures to medical students throughout the fellowship duration.

Application Process

Applying to the UAB Vascular Neurology Fellowship requires prior completion of an ACGME accredited residency in Neurology. Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with participation in the NRMP Match. Special consideration is given to applicants who have completed their residency within a specific timeframe and have no maximum failed STEP exam attempts.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants and may offer sponsorship for various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to fellows who require assistance in obtaining work authorization in the United States.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds, including MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values diversity and is open to applications from all qualified candidates.