University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program

Overview of the Epilepsy Fellowship

The Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago is a one-year program conducted at a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. The primary aim of this fellowship is to cultivate high-level clinical competency, medical acumen, and research capabilities in the field of epilepsy, preparing graduates for independent practice in academia or specialized clinical settings.

Program Structure

This fellowship uniquely integrates clinical care and research, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach. Fellows will have significant exposure to clinical trials, and they will investigate epilepsy comorbidities, including psychiatric disorders and the impact of epilepsy on quality of life. The framework allows fellows to engage actively with emerging technologies and treatment modalities.

Clinical Experience

Participants in the fellowship will engage in a diverse range of clinical experiences. They will provide care for adult epilepsy patients, participate in epilepsy clinics, and learn vital skills related to reading and interpreting EEGs. A component of the fellowship includes at least one month dedicated to pediatric EEG and epilepsy training, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of epilepsy across demographics.

Surgical Exposure

Fellows will also partake in Phase I and Phase II pre-surgical evaluations for intractable epilepsy cases. This includes participation in various specialized tests such as WADA tests, botulinum toxin evaluations, intraoperative electro-corticography, and awake intraoperative language and motor mapping. Fellows will gain familiarity with multiple epilepsy surgery approaches, including resection, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and various neuromodulation techniques such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship features significant educational components, with fellows expected to attend numerous conferences each week. These include didactic sessions, EEG teaching conferences, neurology grand rounds, and multidisciplinary surgical conferences. Here, they will present cases and engage in discussions alongside experts from neuroradiology, neuropsychology, pharmacology, and neurosurgery. Fellow-led journal clubs are also routine, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and research discussions.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to conduct a research project throughout their training, encouraging active participation in clinical and translational research. This research will be critical in honing their skills and potentially contributing to the broader field of epilepsy management.

Electives and rotations

The fellowship incorporates a variety of rotation blocks including, but not limited to, continuous inpatient video-EEG, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), clinical blocks, elective rotations in pediatric epilepsy, and opportunities for research. Elective blocks may involve neuro-intraoperative monitoring (NIOM), sleep medicine, neuropsychology, or other core rotations, allowing fellows to tailor the fellowship experience to their career goals.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is highly competitive, and candidates must submit applications through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and ERAS. Competitive applications typically come from medical graduates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to the field of neurology. There may be expectations regarding the candidate's year of graduation from medical school and any limits on previous examination failures, which are assessed during the application review process.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the eligibility requirements. This aspect is crucial for attracting a diverse cohort of fellows from across the globe, enhancing educational exchange and collaborative research.

Teaching Opportunities

Throughout the fellowship year, fellows will also have opportunities to mentor and teach neurology residents and medical students, contributing to the academic environment of the fellowship.

Participation in Professional Meetings

Fellows are encouraged to attend and participate in the annual meetings of the American Epilepsy Society, promoting their professional development and networking within the epilepsy community.