University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital Program

The UConn/Hartford HealthCare Vascular Neurology Fellowship offers a comprehensive and enriching training experience for fellows in the field of vascular neurology. Training primarily takes place at Hartford Hospital, a recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center with over 850 beds and a significant patient volume of more than 1,000 stroke cases annually, including various types of strokes such as ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The program is designed to ensure that fellows gain extensive clinical experience and develop the necessary skills to become leaders in stroke care in their communities.

Fellows have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of vascular neurology cases within both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program emphasizes a thorough understanding of stroke management, from acute to chronic phases, and incorporates advanced techniques in multimodality imaging, neuro-sonology, and neurocritical care. The hands-on experience is complemented by academic learning and impactful mentoring from seasoned faculty members, guiding fellows in both clinical and research endeavors.

During the one-year fellowship, the majority of training occurs at Hartford Hospital, supplemented by experiences at UConn Health and the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. The curriculum involves a combination of inpatient rotations, outpatient clinics, and research blocks:

• Inpatient Rotations: Being actively involved with the Stroke Inpatient Service at Hartford Hospital and the UConn John Dempsey Hospital.
• Research Block: A dedicated month for fellows to focus on developing research proposals, engaging in scholarly activities, and exploring clinical trials.
• Elective Rotations: Opportunities in neurosonology, radiology, neurosurgery, and neurocritical care.
• Outpatient Clinics: Regular clinic experience at both Hartford Hospital and UConn Health to manage outpatient vascular neurology cases.

Fellows also assume leadership roles within the inpatient stroke teams and are responsible for overseeing the care given by interns and residents. They gain substantial exposure to treating patients under supervision of specialized attendings, ensuring that they are well-prepared for various clinical environments post-fellowship.

Research forms an integral part of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to participate actively in ongoing studies and initiate their own research projects. The program fosters a culture of inquiry, providing access to a dedicated stroke research database and staff support. Recent projects have resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at esteemed national conferences, thus providing fellows with a robust academic platform to launch their careers.

The program supports international medical graduates and sponsors the J-1 visa for candidates who require visa assistance. However, it is important to note that H-1B visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates planning to apply should ensure they have the necessary documentation and certificates, particularly a valid ECFMG certificate for those who graduated from foreign medical schools.

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed a neurology residency of 48 months at an ACGME-accredited program, with a graduation date not exceeding two years prior to application. Additionally, all candidates must have passed USMLE exams (Parts I, II, and III) to be eligible for fellowship positions. A complete application includes:

• Application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement (Letter of Intent)
• Three current letters of recommendation
• USMLE exam scores
• Valid ECFMG certificate for IMG candidates

The UConn/Hartford HealthCare Vascular Neurology Fellowship is characterized as a highly competitive program due to its esteemed reputation, comprehensive training exposure, and strong faculty mentorship. The fellowship is friendly towards international medical graduates, providing them with an inclusive training environment. Interested candidates must ensure that they meet the rigorous standards set forth during the application process.

The program places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its fellows, offering various resources to support their mental health and work-life balance. Initiatives are designed to ensure that fellows have access to robust support systems during their training, which include wellness programs through UConn Health and community resources.