University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Epilepsy Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive and advanced training experience for physicians seeking to specialize in epilepsy. The program aims to cultivate skilled epileptologists with a robust foundation in both clinical management and patient care, all within a supportive and academically stimulating environment.

Program Overview

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the fellowship spans one year, focusing on developing capabilities in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating epilepsy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Fellows engage in cutting-edge clinical practice, including the interpretation of routine and prolonged electroencephalograms (EEGs) at the prestigious UHealth International Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship is structured around various rotations that provide comprehensive exposure to different aspects of epilepsy care. Fellows participate in the following key rotations:

UHealth Tower

During this rotation, fellows manage patients undergoing diagnostic and pre-surgical evaluations in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. They learn to conduct and interpret complex cortical mapping procedures, intracranial EEG studies, and intraoperative electrocorticography.

Jackson Memorial Hospital

This rotation focuses on critically ill patients in the neurology intensive care unit, where fellows read and interpret long-term video EEGs. Fellows gain expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions such as status epilepticus.

Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

At the VA Medical Center, fellows work with veterans in both outpatient and inpatient epilepsy monitoring units, gaining insights into the management of post-traumatic epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities.

Outpatient Clinics

Fellows participate in outpatient clinics at UHealth and Jackson Memorial Hospital, gaining experience with diverse patient populations and learning to treat various epilepsy syndromes through direct mentorship from attending epileptologists.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research during the elective rotation, with potential electives including intraoperative monitoring, neuroradiology, and sleep medicine. They participate in daily and weekly didactic sessions, case presentations, and interdisciplinary conferences to further enhance their knowledge base.

Call Schedule

The fellowship has a unique call schedule, wherein fellows take calls from home, allowing for a balanced work-life integration.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in neurology, child neurology, or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Additionally, all applicants must hold a valid ECFMG certificate if applicable and successfully complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 prior to starting the program.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visas for international applicants through the Alien Physician Program sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This visa is essential for non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents looking to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Program Environment

The fellowship is recognized for being highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants, including those from DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and other international medical graduate backgrounds. The program emphasizes the development of academically minded clinicians in a collaborative and inquisitive learning environment.

Outcome and Alumni Placements

Fellows become board-eligible clinicians ready to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Alumni have secured positions at esteemed institutions, including Access Physicians and Banner – University Medical Center, indicating the program's commitment to fostering successful careers in epilepsy and neurology.