University of Maryland Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center is a one-year ACGME-accredited clinical fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training to fellows in preparation for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Vascular Neurology certification. The program is situated within a robust vascular neurology department and is supported by a team of highly experienced faculty members dedicated to the education and development of fellows in this specialty. By the conclusion of the fellowship, participants are expected to function as independent experts in the field of vascular neurology 1.

Training Rotations

The fellowship offers exposure to a diverse array of training rotations, essential for acquiring practical and theoretical knowledge. Key rotations include:

• Stroke Inpatient and Consultation Service: The University of Maryland Medical Center acts as a tertiary referral center, receiving stroke consultations from various regional hospitals. The fellows will be involved in managing a wide range of stroke patients, enhancing their decision-making skills in acute treatment scenarios 1.
• Neuro Intensive Care: Fellows complete a formal one-month rotation in the dedicated 22-bed neuroscience ICU, collaborating with ICU staff to care for critically ill stroke patients 1.
• Neuroradiology: Formal rotations are also included to enhance fellows' skills in diagnostic imaging relevant to vascular neurology, which covers various modalities such as MRI, CT, and catheter angiography 1.
• Neurorehabilitation: Fellows gain experience at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, the largest rehabilitation provider in the state. This rotation allows fellows to engage with specialists in neurorehabilitation and apply rehabilitation techniques to stroke recovery 1.
• Outpatient Stroke Clinic: The fellowship includes participation in the outpatient stroke clinic, where fellows assess and manage complex outpatient cases referred by various medical professionals 1.
• Baltimore VA Medical Center: The fellowship provides convenient access to stroke clinics and acute stroke response at the VA Medical Center, enhancing fellows' practical experience 1.

Educational Component

The program emphasizes ongoing education through structured didactics and seminars. Regular conferences convene multidisciplinary teams to discuss case complexities, enhancing fellows' clinical acumen through collaborative learning. Special sessions allow fellows to engage in journal club discussions, focusing on recent articles and seminal studies relevant to vascular neurology 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research under faculty mentorship. The department supports various ongoing studies and clinical trials, providing fellows the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and potentially secure dedicated funding for individual research projects 1.

Application Process

To apply for the Vascular Neurology Fellowship, candidates must hold a completed residency in an ACGME accredited neurology program. Applications are submitted through the ERAS system, with requisite documents including a curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation 1.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcome to apply; however, specific visa requirements are in place. Non-immigrant fellows are required to possess a J-1 visa along with an ECFMG certificate, as H-1B visas are not considered suitable for this fellowship program 1.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates from recognized neurology residency programs nationwide. The inclusion of IMGs is actively encouraged, and the program is particularly friendly towards DO graduates and those with international backgrounds, promoting a diverse learning environment that enriches the educational experience 1.