University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System provides a comprehensive training experience aimed at instilling a broad competence in all aspects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This 1-year ACGME-accredited fellowship is structured to foster both clinical acumen and research expertise in the assessment and management of spinal cord injuries.

Program Mission and Vision

The fellowship program's mission emphasizes the creation of a positive educational environment, where fellows can freely exchange ideas and experiences. By the end of the program, each fellow is expected to function independently and demonstrate proficiency in clinical practice, whether in academic or private settings, exhibiting qualities such as accountability, compassion, and respect for patients1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible applicants for this fellowship must possess a valid license to practice medicine in Florida and have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in fields such as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family practice, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, plastic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, or urology1.

The application process requires the submission of a completed application form, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. Interviews will take place virtually, and all positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program, with no out-of-match positions available1.

Call Schedule

The fellowship includes a structured call schedule that consists of one week of night float, ensuring that fellows gain critical hands-on experience in managing spinal cord injuries across diverse clinical settings in a supportive environment1.

Training Locations and Experience

Training occurs across four primary sites:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center
• Miami VA Healthcare System
• UHealth Tower

The fellows will have dedicated rotations in both Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Miami VA Healthcare System, which is home to a specialized Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Here, the fellows will gain firsthand experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, supported by the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, known for its innovation in spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation1.

Curriculum Structure

The training curriculum is divided into three-month blocks, where fellows experience comprehensive clinical management, including acute trauma care and post-acute rehabilitation. In addition to clinical training, fellows engage in research and participate in specialized outpatient clinics focusing on areas such as spasticity management, musculoskeletal conditions, and multiple sclerosis.1

Research Opportunities

Research forms an integral component of the fellowship experience. The program collaborates closely with the South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model System and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, presenting fellows with numerous research opportunities. Each fellow must conduct a research project and a quality improvement initiative, both of which are presented at conferences, supported by institutional funds1.

Visa Support

The program offers J-1 Visa sponsorship for international medical graduates who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This visa is part of the Alien Physician Program supported by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and it caters to fellowship applicants with a valid training license1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is competitive, welcoming applicants with diverse medical backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). Special attention is given to candidates who can demonstrate both clinical excellence and a commitment to the field. Candidates need to be aware that requirements such as a maximum number of failed USMLE exams may exist, necessitating a thorough review of application requirements prior to submission1.

Educational Training

Fellows receive education at key facilities that include the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and the newly constructed 96-bed Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Hospital. Both facilities are CARF-accredited and are designed to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment alongside clinical care1.

Program Highlights

Significant highlights of the fellowship include access to a dedicated inpatient spinal cord injury service with 27 all-private suites, integration with comprehensive therapy resources, and an affiliation with a research and rehabilitation center recognized as a designated center of excellence by the state of Florida1.