University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

The Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is a one-year ACGME accredited program designed for individuals who have completed their residency training in neurology. The program accepts 1-2 fellows per year, focusing on advanced clinical epilepsy and clinical electrophysiology training, ensuring comprehensive education and practical experience.

Program Structure and Rotations

The fellowship includes several key components:

• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: 5 months
• Continuous Video EEG service: 5 months
• Pediatric Epilepsy: 1 month
• Elective: 1 month (with options in Sleep Medicine/Polysomnography, Intraoperative Monitoring, and Neuropsychology)

Fellows engage in comprehensive EEG interpretation including pre-surgical evaluation and treatment for advanced and refractory epilepsies. Additional training focuses on areas such as evoked potentials, sleep studies, intraoperative corticography, and programming of responsive nerve stimulators.

Clinical Resources

The program is supported by extensive clinical resources, including:

• A dedicated outpatient clinic and outpatient EEG laboratory
• A fully equipped 12-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, accredited as Level IV by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers
• A comprehensive epilepsy surgery program, including focal resections and Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
• Active participation in various clinics such as the Neurofeedback Clinic and the Women’s Pregnancy and Epilepsy Clinic

On-Call Responsibilities

Fellows have some on-call responsibilities, which include an average of 2 nights per week and 1 weekend per month. Remote access to EEG studies is also available to facilitate effective patient management.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship, with opportunities to engage in projects that may include neurologic outcomes of epilepsy treatments and advanced electrophysiological techniques. The fellows are encouraged to contribute to the academic community through presentations and publications.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have completed an ACGME or RCPSC accredited residency in neurology and should be board certified or board eligible in Neurology at the time of fellowship commencement. There is no maximum failed STEP exam limit indicated; however, meeting all application requirements is essential for consideration.

Competitive Nature and Application Process

The fellowship is competitive, attracting candidates who are strong in both clinical skills and academic performance. All applications must be submitted through ERAS, and prospective fellows must include a letter of intent, CV, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship and support, welcoming international medical graduates and those requiring J-1 visas, thus broadening opportunities for qualified applicants.

Living and Training Environment

Located in Aurora, Colorado, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is well-positioned for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a vibrant community. The combination of a top-rated hospital and a strong educational framework creates an enriching training environment for fellows.