University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Neurology is a comprehensive program designed to provide rigorous training in neurology, emphasizing clinical excellence and research opportunities. It is an ACGME accredited residency program that boasts one of the largest neurology residency teams in the nation, with a cohort of 45 residents and 25 fellows, supported by over 100 clinical and research faculty members.

Application Process and Requirements

All positions for the categorical and advanced training classes are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and there are no out-of-match positions available. The application process is facilitated through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications are accepted from September 15 to November 1, with interviews conducted from November to January. To be eligible for application, residents must successfully complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Steps 1 and 2 prior to entering the residency program. Furthermore, Step 3 must be completed before beginning the clinical neurology curriculum in the second year of training. There is no requirement for previous postgraduate training to apply to the program.1

The program primarily sponsors J1 visas for international medical graduates, which are standard for residents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Curriculum Overview

The residency spans four years, including an internship year in internal medicine. The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Year 1: Predominantly involves rotations in Internal Medicine, with two months specifically in neurology, which includes clinical experience in inpatient consults, stroke services, and the neuroscience intensive care unit.
• Year 2: Residents transition to full-time neurology, engaging in core rotations including stroke service, general neurology, and specialized subspecialty exposure that includes epilepsy and neuromuscular diseases.
• Year 3: This year includes intensive exposure to neurohospitalist consult services at Jackson Memorial Hospital, additional rotations in neuro-oncology, cognitive neurology, and elective time in various subspecialties.
• Year 4: Residents assume leadership as chief residents, focusing on management and educational responsibilities, while completing pediatric neurology and various outpatient rotations.

The program also emphasizes formalized teaching through weekly morning reports, bimonthly case conferences, and an academic half-day with a structured didactic curriculum, allowing residents to build essential clinical skills.1

Clinical Training Sites

The residency program is conducted across three key training sites: Jackson Memorial Hospital, UHealth Tower, and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These facilities support a diverse patient population, offering exposure to a wide spectrum of neurological disorders, from common clinical presentations to rare pathologies, thus enhancing the residents' learning experience.1

Research Opportunities

Residents can engage in research through various departmental initiatives, including ongoing projects at the University of Miami's NIH-designated brain and tissue repository, and collaborations associated with the National Cancer Institute. The program encourages a resident research track, allowing one resident per year to pursue intensive research interests alongside their clinical training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Ranked highly in national surveys, the Neurology Department benefits from its association with the Jackson Memorial Hospital, notably as one of the primary referral centers in South Florida and recognized as a comprehensive stroke center. The training includes exposure to a state-of-the-art neuroscience intensive care unit, where residents gain practical experience managing acute neurological emergencies.

Furthermore, the program's commitment to education is reflected in its high board pass rates and success rates in fellowship placements, attributed to the hands-on training and mentorship from renowned faculty.1

Living in Miami

The residency program is situated in Miami, a vibrant city known for its diverse culture, professional sporting events, and rich recreational activities. The metropolitan area offers a dynamic living environment with numerous entertainment options, cultural landmarks, and proximity to renowned vacation destinations such as Busch Gardens, the Florida Keys, and Walt Disney World.