University of Minnesota Program

The Epilepsy Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota Department of Neurology is a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide in-depth training in the field of epileptology. This program prepares both adult and pediatric neurologists for advanced clinical practice in various settings ranging from academic institutions to clinical environments. By emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, the fellowship builds crucial skills needed for the optimal management of patients with epilepsy.

Program Highlights

The program includes several notable features to enhance the educational experience of fellows:

• Daily EEG review sessions, inpatient service rounds, and epilepsy clinics, allowing fellows to engage in a hands-on clinical learning environment.
• Exposure to EEG and Video-EEG procedures in both adult and pediatric populations, ensuring comprehensive training in this vital skill area.
• Focused training on epilepsy surgery candidates, providing exposure to a variety of surgical interventions.
• Interactive didactic sessions covering basic and advanced topics in epileptology.
• Access to robust clinical research opportunities aligned with state-of-the-art facilities.

The program is structured to promote diversity in clinical experiences, enabling fellows to manage a range of epilepsy-related conditions and comorbidities.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum encompasses:

• Clinical Rotations: Structured rotations in EEG interpretation, video-EEG monitoring, and the care of patients with epilepsy in inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Didactic Learning: In-depth lectures and journal reviews focusing on topics such as seizure management, neuropharmacology, and neuropsychology relevant to epilepsy.
• Research Training: Fellows have the opportunity to engage in clinical research at institutions associated with the University of Minnesota, focusing on innovative therapies and patient management strategies.

This combination of rotations, didactics, and research prepares fellows for either academic roles or practice-focused positions addressing epilepsy and related neurological conditions.

Training Sites

The program utilizes various facilities within the University of Minnesota system, providing fellows with exposure to a broad and diverse patient population. Training primarily occurs at:

• University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC): A comprehensive facility handling a high volume of neurological cases and providing extensive epilepsy care.
• Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC): Offers a Level 1 trauma center experience, enriching the fellow's understanding of urgent and critical neurological care.

This inter-institutional collaboration fosters a rich learning environment, further enhancing training outcomes through diverse clinical engagements.

Requirements & Application Procedures

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific requirements:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in neurology or relevant specialties (such as psychiatry or pediatric neurology).
• Successful completion of USMLE Step 3 prior to entry into the program.
• ABPN board eligibility/certification in Neurology.
• Submission of a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, USMLE/COMLEX scores, and an ECFMG certificate for international graduates.

The fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and applications are typically submitted via the AAMC's ERAS platform.

Visa Sponsorship

The University of Minnesota's Epilepsy Fellowship Program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing eligible candidates to train within the U.S.

Competitiveness

The program is competitive, attracting neurologists from both U.S. and international backgrounds. As such, applicants are encouraged to present strong credentials via detailed application materials.

This rigorous selection process helps ensure that fellows are well-prepared to excel in their future careers as specialists in epilepsy.