University of Connecticut Program

The University of Connecticut/Hartford HealthCare Epilepsy Fellowship is an ACGME accredited one-year program aimed at developing the next generation of competent epileptologists. The program is primarily based at Hartford Hospital, recognized as a NAEC designated Level IV epilepsy center. Through this fellowship, participants enhance their skills in six ACGME core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. The fellowship focuses on achieving a level of independence suitable for a subspecialty epilepsy practice 1.

Clinical Experience and Training Environment

The Ayer Neuroscience Hartford HealthCare Epilepsy Center encompasses eight clinics distributed across Connecticut, alongside the Level IV Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) located at Hartford Hospital. This structure allows fellows to gain extensive clinical exposure. The EMU serves both patients referred from the eight clinics and outside referrals. Notably, Hartford Hospital offers an extensive range of presurgical procedures including PET, SPECT, MRI, fMRI, and Wada testing. In collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), MEG studies also take place 1.

Fellows engage in complex intracranial EEG studies utilizing both stereo-EEG and subdural grid methodologies, while also receiving training in neuromodulation treatments such as the responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system, Vagal nerve stimulator (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). The epilepsy center is staffed by ten experienced epileptologists and two neurosurgeons, supported by neuropsychologists, advanced practice providers, and a dedicated social worker focused on epilepsy care 1.

Curriculum Details

The fellows partake in comprehensive training experiences that include: management of epilepsy patients in the EMU, outpatient clinics, EEG interpretation, and surgical management. Fellows have opportunities to engage in specialty clinics focusing on women’s epilepsy, dietary treatments, and genetic considerations 1.

Research is encouraged, with fellows selecting projects under the mentorship of faculty. Skills acquired also prepare fellows for the ABPN Epilepsy board exam upon completion of the fellowship 1.

Rotational Schedule

Fellows typically dedicate at least six months at Hartford Hospital, three months at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, and one month at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Each rotation incorporates clinical responsibilities as well as educational components, including participation in an outpatient clinic one half day weekly and a one-month elective in a specialty area or research 1.

Educational Activities

The fellowship features a structured didactic program that includes longitudinal lectures, conferences on refractory epilepsy, a journal club, and complex EEG review sessions. Fellows are expected to attend the American Epilepsy Society's annual meeting and are encouraged to present research findings at national conferences. Additional participation in regional seminars and specific courses related to epilepsy management enhances educational exposure 1.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications for this highly competitive fellowship can be submitted through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Candidates must provide a letter describing their career goals, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference. Specific eligibility criteria may include recent graduation dates from residency programs and allowed numbers of failed STEP exams to qualify but must be confirmed during the application 1.

Visa Information

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas, which can be extended depending on the candidates’ situations as they are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens. This makes the fellowship accessible to international medical graduates actively seeking specialized training in the field of epilepsy 1.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is deemed highly competitive. It fosters a comprehensive learning experience suited for both U.S. and international medical graduates, including DO candidates. The training merges clinical excellence with an extensive support network, ensuring fellows are well-equipped for their future careers in epilepsy treatment and management 1.