University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is structured to prepare physicians for a career focused on understanding vascular neuroscience, essential for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing cerebrovascular diseases. This fellowship aims to produce vascular neurologists equipped with the necessary skills to deliver comprehensive care to stroke patients, hence fostering leadership qualities that emphasize evidence-based and compassionate care in diverse populations.

Fellowship Overview

The program is committed to training individuals who will become valuable assets to their communities, continuously pursuing professional and personal growth throughout their careers.

Application Process

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program accepts two fellows annually, with applications typically opening every February in conjunction with the National Residency Matching Program. Interested applicants must submit their documents via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Essential details for applicants include:

• Successful completion of an accredited neurology residency in the U.S. or Canada.
• Applicants should be U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), or eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship through ECFMG.
• All United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination (COMLEX) tests must be completed and passed by the start of the fellowship.

Curriculum

The fellowship consists of a year of clinical training designed to focus on specialized patient care experiences. Fellows will engage in weekly continuity clinics, inpatient rotations at the primary training site, an array of didactic sessions, and research opportunities. The curriculum incorporates:

• Weekly lectures from vascular neurology faculty covering key competencies related to patient care.
• Biweekly lectures with expert faculty from complementary fields, such as neuroendovascular surgery, neuroradiology, and cardiology.
• Quarterly events including stroke journal clubs, grand rounds, and M&M conferences to foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Conferences involving interdisciplinary approaches concerning rehabilitation and stroke risk management.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is the Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, a comprehensive, 700-bed level-1 trauma center, which offers extensive resources dedicated to stroke management. Key features include:

• A separate, multi-disciplinary Neurology clinic close to the hospital, equipped with 18 exam rooms.
• Recognition as a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center since 2009, demonstrating a strong track record in stroke treatment.
• A stroke program that integrates care from the emergency department through to hospitalization and rehabilitation, including advanced imaging and neurosurgical support.

Faculty and Mentorship

Fellows will have the opportunity to work with a diverse faculty teaching various aspects of vascular neurology. This mentoring is designed to facilitate hands-on learning and create pathways for professional development within the field.