University of Florida Program

The University of Florida offers a high-quality Vascular Neurology Fellowship through its Department of Neurology and the UF Health Comprehensive Stroke Program. This ACGME-accredited fellowship program focuses on cerebrovascular disease, intending to prepare fellows for careers as clinical vascular neurologists, research-based academicians, or neurohospitalists. The program aims to provide flexible and innovative education in a busy and multidisciplinary environment.

Clinical Training

Fellows gain extensive training in acute stroke management, enhancing their knowledge through hands-on experiences in a dynamic inpatient stroke service that includes critically ill patients in a state-of-the-art neuro-ICU. Under the mentorship of board-certified vascular neurology attendings, fellows lead teams comprising neurology residents, stroke ARNPs, and medical students. The fellowship also emphasizes telestroke consultation and fellow participation in the UF Health Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, enabling a unique experience in real-world acute stroke consultations.

The fellowship includes structured assignments, with one fellow managing the inpatient stroke service and another involved with the Acute Care service. They will respond to acute stroke alerts, engage in telestroke consultations, and contribute to clinical trials. Call duty is managed by the fellow on the inpatient stroke service, which provides additional exposure to critically acute conditions.

In addition to stroke-specific training, fellows experience a comprehensive neurocritical care curriculum that covers advanced topics like managing malignant infarctions, elevated intracranial pressure, and hemorrhagic events such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. They can also participate in Emergency Neurological Life Support certification and relevant hands-on workshops.

Electives and Individualized Training

Fellows can pursue various electives tailored to their career interests, which may include neuroradiology, echocardiography, geriatrics, and palliative care, among others. The program encourages customization of elective choices and offers opportunities for individualized rotations, provided that a supervising faculty mentor and written goals are established beforehand.

Longitudinal patient management is cultivated through a dedicated fellow continuity clinic, allowing fellows to follow select patients post-discharge. Participation in outpatient rehab settings complements inpatient learning experiences, providing a comprehensive understanding of stroke recovery.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship ensures consistent educational support through weekly didactic sessions, covering a breadth of topics from stroke journal club discussions to practical case reviews. Protected time is allocated for fellows to attend these educational sessions. There is also a monthly curriculum designed for transitioning fellows into practice, focusing on the skills and knowledge necessary for successful integration into their careers.

Fellows are actively involved in research activities and quality improvement projects, participating in both local and multicenter clinical trials that investigate acute stroke therapies. Graduates are strongly encouraged to pursue individual research initiatives while remaining engaged in ongoing faculty-led group projects.

Program Structure and Unique Features

The University of Florida's Vascular Neurology Fellowship includes multiple noteworthy aspects that enhance the training experience. The program boasts a high volume of cases and exceptional teaching opportunities, enabling fellows to build confidence and expertise. The inclusion of fellows in broader departmental and fellowship activities fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Furthermore, the program supports well-rounded professional development through various resources and social events, contributing to a collegial and enriching fellow experience. The fellowship aims to maintain its leading position in the competitive landscape of vascular neurology training.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship offers support for international applicants by sponsoring J-1 visas. In specific situations, the program can port an H-1B visa, provided that it has been issued no more than three years before the anticipated start date.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship is a competitive program that typically attracts a high number of applicants. Eligible candidates must have successfully completed or be on track to complete an ACGME-accredited adult Neurology residency and have passed USMLE Step 3 before applying. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process, including interviews and an assessment of their clinical and academic qualifications.