University of Kansas School of Medicine Program

The Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine is an intense, one-year training program aimed at developing adept specialists in the field of epilepsy. The training is housed within a comprehensive framework, designed to provide fellows with both the necessary clinical skills and a strong theoretical foundation to excel in managing epilepsy patients.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is divided into three distinct phases: the initial educational phase, the intermediate clinical care phase, and the advanced care phase.

Initial Educational Phase

This phase comprises an intensive educational program that provides fellows with in-depth knowledge essential for their development as epileptologists. The educational phase is devoid of clinical responsibilities, allowing fellows to focus entirely on mastering content critical for success in epilepsy management and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Epilepsy Board Examination. Continuing education is further supported through activities like journal clubs, EEG conferences, and epilepsy surgery seminars 1.

Intermediate and Advanced Phases

During the intermediate phase, fellows engage in supervised clinical care, working closely with attending epileptologists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This phase is critical for fellows to learn about managing both drug-responsive and drug-resistant epilepsy cases. The University of Kansas Health System's focus on surgical interventions, including invasive EEG monitoring, enables fellows to participate in the comprehensive management of epilepsy from diagnosis through surgical considerations. As fellows progress into the advanced phase, they begin to direct their patient care more independently and prepare for their future practice as attending physicians 1.

Clinical Rotations and Electives

The fellowship includes a variety of required rotations, such as the Inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and the Outpatient Epilepsy Clinic. Additionally, fellows have access to electives including focused intracranial EEG, epilepsy surgery, pediatric epilepsy, and neuropsychology, in addition to research opportunities 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship. Faculty are actively engaged in clinical trials, aiming to improve treatment protocols and patient outcomes. Fellows are encouraged to participate in these research initiatives, which include studies for both surgical and medical treatments for epilepsy 1. This involvement not only enhances understanding but also builds skills in the conduct of clinical research.

Application Information

Eligibility for the Epilepsy Fellowship requires completion of an accredited residency in Neurology, Child Neurology, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should possess a valid ECFMG certification for international medical graduates. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English and provide evidence of passing the USMLE Step II or COMLEX Level 2 exams before entry 4.

Benefits and Visa Support

The fellowship offers a competitive annual salary, healthcare benefits, a stipend for educational purposes, and generous vacation policies, including three weeks of paid vacation and additional sick leave. The program provides visa support, offering sponsorship for J-1 non-immigrant visa status for eligible international applicants 5.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Kansas is highly competitive. It encourages applications from both DO candidates and international medical graduates, particularly those with exceptional qualifications. The application process may feature additional requirements, depending on past training and the specifics of individual candidates 4.

Fellowship Faculty

The fellowship is supported by a team of experienced faculty members who are leaders in the field of epilepsy and offer mentorship and guidance throughout the fellowship training. The diverse expertise of the faculty ensures comprehensive educational and clinical experiences for fellows 6.

Overall, the Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine provides a robust educational environment designed to develop the necessary skills in diagnosing and managing epilepsy in a variety of clinical settings.