University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine offers a robust, one-year clinical training experience in the specialized field of neurophysiology. This ACGME-accredited program is designed to equip fellows with expert skills in diagnosing and managing disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems through integrated clinical evaluations and electrophysiologic testing 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship incorporates a thorough curriculum that includes extensive training in various modalities of neurophysiological assessments. Key curricular components encompass:

• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): Fellows will develop expertise in interpreting diverse nerve conduction and electromyography studies, including repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber EMGs 1.
• Evoked Potentials: This includes in-depth training in the interpretation of evoked potentials and intraoperative monitoring, crucial for guiding surgical procedures and diagnosing various conditions 1.
• Electroencephalography (EEG): Fellows will gain skills in EEG interpretation, encompassing outpatient, ambulatory, video-EEG monitoring, and ICU monitoring, as well as advanced methods such as electrocorticography and cortical stimulation 1.

These components ensure a well-rounded experience that prepares fellows for board eligibility in Clinical Neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Clinical Experience

The fellowship emphasizes hands-on clinical experience. Fellows will conduct assessments under the direct supervision of experienced faculty in high-quality clinical settings, fostering the development of skills necessary for independent practice. Key training sites include:

• Albert B. Chandler Hospital: Here, fellows will work primarily in the epilepsy monitoring unit and associated neurophysiology labs that encompass both inpatient and outpatient services 1.
• Kentucky Neuroscience Clinic: This site offers comprehensive care for a variety of neurological conditions, providing fellows an opportunity to engage with a diverse patient population with epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders 1.

Research Opportunities

A distinctive feature of this fellowship is the encouragement of scholarly activity. Fellows can participate as co-investigators in ongoing research in clinical and basic science conducted within the neurophysiology section. These research experiences are geared toward enhancing fellows' academic profiles and supporting their potential future contributions to the field 1.

Each fellow is expected to submit an abstract or poster for presentation at a national meeting, and converting these submissions into manuscripts for publication is strongly encouraged 1.

Additional Fellowship Features

• Optional Second Year: For fellows interested in further specialization, there is an opportunity for an optional second year of fellowship focusing on epilepsy, aimed at preparing candidates for academic practice in a tertiary center 1.
• Mentorship: Mentorship plays a critical role in the fellowship, providing fellows with guidance and support from experienced faculty, facilitating the pursuit of research, and fostering career development 1.

Application and Competitiveness

The clinical neurophysiology fellowship is competitive, and all applications are reviewed holistically, providing opportunities for various candidates including DO’s and IMGs. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications through the ERAS 1.

While specific application requirements can vary, it is advisable that applicants have strong letters of recommendation, including one from a neurology faculty member 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates and can offer sponsorship for J-1 exchange visitor visas, which is a common visa type for medical fellowships 1.

Benefits and Support

Fellows are well-supported throughout their training with competitive stipends and comprehensive health benefits. Additionally, the program promotes a wellness initiative that includes resources for mental health and personal development 1.

This program stands out for its commitment to both high-quality clinical training and the scholarly development of its fellows, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that is both enriching and conducive to a successful career in neurophysiology.