Residency Advisor
Iowa City, IA

Specialty:

Neurological surgery

ACGME Code:

1601811028

NRMP Program Code:

1203160C0
YOG 2STEP 220IMG FriendlyH1BF1

Overview of the Program

The neurosurgical residency program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics provides an intensive seven-year training designed to prepare residents for roles as proficient surgeon-scientists and future leaders within the field of academic neurosurgery. The curriculum emphasizes the development of clinical competencies necessary for providing compassionate and effective patient care throughout the residency.

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Curriculum and Rotation Structure

The residency is structured in a way that residents progressively gain responsibilities and skills applicable to various subspecialties of neurosurgery. The training includes rotations covering:

  • General neurosurgery
  • Pediatric neurosurgery
  • Neurointerventional surgery
  • Spine surgery
  • Skull base surgery

During the first year (PGY-1), residents focus on basic operative techniques and pre- and postoperative care while also gaining exposure to allied specialties like trauma surgery, stroke neurology, and neuro-otology. As the residency progresses, particularly in the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, residents partake in primary patient management and complex surgical procedures, advancing toward becoming chief residents in PGY-6, where they oversee junior residents and make independent clinical and operative decisions.

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Research Opportunities

The program supports residents in engaging in scientific inquiry, with dedicated research years (PGY-4 and PGY-5) allowing residents to work on their research projects in collaboration with faculty. This dual focus on practice and discovery helps inculcate skills to become a leader in academic neurosurgery. Mentorship in research, the opportunity to present findings, and industry-sponsored collaborations are key elements of the research environment at Iowa.

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Clinical Facilities

The clinical training occurs at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and involves interactions with multidisciplinary services. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and the program is integrated within UI Health Care, which includes the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Residents thus have access to a variety of cases, including rare and complex conditions that foster a robust educational experience.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Iowa's neurosurgery residency program is distinctive for its emphasis on academic excellence, with a rigorous curriculum that incorporates hands-on experience in a well-balanced environment. The opportunity for off-site electives during the PGY-7 year encourages personalized training paths tailored to residents' career goals, and travel for advanced training at esteemed institutions is supported.

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Training and Conferences

Weekly conferences facilitate ongoing education and knowledge sharing among residents and faculty. Typical conferences include morbidity and mortality discussions, tumor boards, and invited guest lectures, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning that benefits all trainees.

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Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly toward international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorships, including H-1B and J-1 visa categories, helping facilitate the residency journey for qualified candidates. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants are expected to have strong academic performance and relevant clinical experience.

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Applicants must meet several criteria, including appropriate completion of medical education, passing scores on requisite examinations, and a demonstration of clinical competency through observerships or externships.

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Living in Iowa City

The program is headquartered in Iowa City, a vibrant college town that provides a conducive environment for both personal and professional growth. With a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities, residents can find a healthy work-life balance throughout their training.

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Website

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Location
Culture
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Schedule / Training

Director

Kathleen E Dlouhy, MD, MA, MBA
Assistant Clinical Professor Associate Residency Program Director
Appointed Since
October 2023
-

Program

Program Size

2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 (7 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation with Warning since December 1950

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

80 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

16 hours

First Year Salary:

-

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

Unlimited days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
25%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
0.9X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
220
Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, F1
YOG Cutoff:
2

Match History

Track: 1203160C0

2024

2 of 2

2023

2 of 2

2022

2 of 2

2021

2 of 2

2020

2 of 2
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

Iowa City, IA

Population
74,828
Income
$57,533
Education
60.7%
Employment
65.2%
Health
5%
Age
26
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Iowa City, IA

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Iowa City is known for being a safe and peaceful city with a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in the United States.
  • Fun Activities
    Being a college town, Iowa City offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various parks and trails for activities like hiking and biking.
  • Climate
    Iowa City experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for significant snowfall during the winter months.
  • Races and Population
    Iowa City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, including a significant student population due to the presence of the University of Iowa.
  • Education
    Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, providing opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Iowa City is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
  • Nearby Cities
    Des Moines is the nearest major city to Iowa City, located approximately 2 hours away by car. Des Moines offers a wider variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
  • Pros
    Safe environment, vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
  • Cons
    Cold winters with significant snowfall, limited shopping options compared to larger cities.

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