University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The University of Louisville's Epilepsy Program offers a robust training environment for neurologists focusing on epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology. This one-year Clinical Neurophysiology fellowship is accredited by the ACGME and provides comprehensive training designed to develop expertise in diagnosing and managing patients with epilepsy.

Program Overview

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at the University of Louisville involves a detailed examination of disorders affecting the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. Trainees will engage in clinical evaluation and electrophysiological testing to assess conditions such as epilepsy. The diverse curriculum allows fellows to choose between three educational tracks: a balanced curriculum, an epilepsy-focused curriculum, or a neuromuscular curriculum. This tailored approach ensures that each fellow develops competencies aligned with their career aspirations and interests. The program is structured around case-based learning, emphasizing hands-on clinical experience alongside expert faculty interactions.

Training Sites

Fellows will rotate through multiple prestigious training sites, including University Hospital, Jewish Hospital, and Norton Children's Hospital. These facilities are well-equipped and provide exposure to a wide array of clinical cases and innovative treatment methods.

Clinical Rotations and Responsibilities

The fellowship includes various monthly rotations covering different aspects of clinical neurophysiology. Fellows will participate in inpatient video-EEG monitoring, wherein they will gain firsthand experience in managing video-EEG studies while employing advanced technology for monitoring and diagnostics.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research initiatives within the field of epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology. The program promotes publication opportunities and active participation in the academic community. Collaboration with faculty on research projects can enhance fellows' learning and professional development during their training.

Special Application Requirements

Eligible candidates for the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency and must be board-eligible in Neurology. For international medical graduates, eligibility includes holding or being eligible for a J-1 Visa or Green Card, while H-1 visas are not accepted by the program.

Desirable application elements include strong USMLE or COMLEX scores (generally above 210 and passed on the first attempt) and letters of recommendation that emphasize clinical neurophysiology. The selection committee emphasizes interviews, ensuring that candidates align with the program's goals and educational offerings.

Competitiveness

The program is considered highly competitive, attracting numerous applicants each year. The training environment is structured to support both US and international medical graduates (IMGs), although IMGs may need to meet specific visa eligibility criteria. The competitive nature is countered by a commitment to fostering a diverse group within the fellowship cohort.

Clinical Facilities

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, located within University Hospital, has achieved Level IV status from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. It provides an extensive range of services, from precise diagnostic evaluations to advanced surgical interventions, such as resective surgery and the installation of responsive neuromodulation systems. The state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a critical part of this training, along with other diagnostic modalities like EEG and imaging techniques.

Professional Development

The fellowship not only focuses on clinical training but also emphasizes the development of teaching skills. Fellows are encouraged to participate in educational activities, including teaching residents and medical students, fostering the development of future medical professionals in the field of neurology.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 Visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, which is essential for those who have graduated from non-accredited medical schools outside the United States. The sponsorship of other visa types such as H-1 visas is not supported.

For comprehensive experience in epilepsy management and neurophysiology, the University of Louisville’s fellowship offers a unique blend of educational depth, clinical exposure, and research opportunities, forming a strong foundation for a future career in neurology.