University of California (Irvine) Program

The Neurological Surgery Residency Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is designed to offer a comprehensive training experience in both adult and pediatric neurosurgery. This seven-year program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and exposes residents to a diverse range of neurosurgical conditions through a variety of practice settings, ensuring they become well-rounded practitioners.

Program Overview

UCI's Department of Neurological Surgery provides an extensive curriculum that includes training in neuropathology and neuroradiology. The training takes place in several prestigious institutions, such as UCI Medical Center, Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, and Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). These affiliations allow residents to interact with a variety of patients and enhance their clinical skills in a supportive environment 1.

Curriculum Structure

The residency program commences with a structured curriculum, particularly in the first year (PGY-1). This year includes:

• Five months of surgical training focused on neurosurgical relevance.
• A three-month rotation in neuro-critical care.
• A one-month rotation in trauma.
• A three-month rotation in basic neuroscience.

During the subsequent six years, the residency is segmented into specific training experiences. For example:

• PGY-2: 12 months of neurosurgery at UCI Health Medical Center.
• PGY-3: Seven months of neurosurgery, three months in endovascular neurosurgery, two months in stereotactic radiosurgery, and two additional months of stereotactic radiosurgery at UCI Health.
• PGY-4: Six months at CHOC and six months at the Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
• PGY-5: Six months of spine-focused training, with optional rotations in neurointerventional surgery.
• PGY-6: Dedication to a 12-month chief residency at UCI Medical Center.
• PGY-7: Enfolded fellowship or research activities at UCI Medical Center.

Throughout the training, residents are expected to engage in scholarly activities, including preparing manuscripts for publication and participating in examinations administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) 3.

Residency Application Requirements

Prospective residents must adhere to several eligibility criteria to be accepted into the program. Important requirements include:

• Current dean's letter and three letters of recommendation.
• Proof of passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2.
• For international medical graduates (IMGs), a valid ECFMG certificate and a California medical license must be presented.
• Proof of current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, background checks, and health screenings are mandatory.

These stringent requirements ensure that only the most qualified individuals enter the program, which is particularly competitive and supportive of both DO and IMG candidates 4.

Research and Innovation

The program emphasizes a strong research component, providing residents with a framework to develop clinical research skills. Each resident is expected to dedicate time to research and innovation, collaborating with esteemed faculty dedicated to advancing neuroscientific understanding and treatment methodologies 5.

Distribution of Training Sites

The training sites associated with the program are renowned for their clinical expertise:

• Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC): A comprehensive pediatric hospital providing extensive medical services.
• Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A tertiary care center known for its commitment to veteran care and educational training opportunities.

Both institutions serve as critical educational platforms within the residency program, equipping residents with necessary hands-on experience in varying clinical settings and diverse patient populations 3.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, specifically providing support for J-1 visas through ECFMG for those graduates who qualify. This gives IMGs a pathway to enroll in the residency program while fulfilling the necessary licensing and training requirements in California 4.

In conclusion, the Neurological Surgery Residency Program at UCI not only strives for excellence in neurosurgical training but also commits to nurturing compassionate and effective practitioners. The multifaceted curriculum integrated with rich research opportunities ensures that residents are well-prepared to face the challenges of contemporary neurosurgery.