University of Minnesota Program

The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited program spanning 12 months. This fellowship is designed to cultivate skilled spinal cord injury physicians who provide exemplary medical and rehabilitation care, while advancing the discipline through research and education. The fellowship is sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and collaborates closely with several esteemed institutions, including the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and Gillette Children's Hospital. This collaborative approach enriches the educational experience offered to fellows and enhances the diversity of patient care opportunities.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum offers fellows a rich exposure to a variety of conditions within spinal cord injury medicine, catering to a broad patient demographic. The program emphasizes lifelong care, extending from pediatrics to geriatrics, and provides fellows with vital training on the management of a myriad of conditions. The training includes both inpatient and outpatient experiences, primarily revolving around traumatic spinal cord injuries, degenerative spinal cord disorders, and pediatric conditions such as spina bifida. The fellowship ensures that fellows master the care of complications resulting from spinal cord injuries, including autonomic dysregulation, sexual dysfunction, and neurogenic bowel and bladder management, thus preparing them for a multitude of clinical challenges encountered in practice 1.

Procedural Training

Fellows are exposed to various procedural components of spinal cord injury medicine. They receive hands-on experience in spasticity management through techniques such as intrathecal baclofen therapy, botulinum toxin applications, and joint injections. Additionally, opportunities are available to improve EMG skills and partake in cystoscopy and urodynamic testing for neurogenic bladder issues. The fellowship intricately incorporates advanced procedures like flap surgeries, ITB test dose trials, and implant management into its training regimen, underscoring the program's commitment to comprehensive education.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The fellowship offers extensive clinical exposure through varied rotations across multiple esteemed healthcare facilities. Key sites include the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which is integral to the training experience, and is the central hub for veterans' care across the Midwest. Fellows gain real-world experience managing conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Additional rotations take place at Regions Hospital, Gillette Children's Hospital, and Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, enhancing clinical learning through targeted didactics and patient care experiences in a supportive environment 2.

Research Opportunities

The program is strongly integrated with research initiatives, particularly through the Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Model System. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, which play a critical role in advancing knowledge and treatment methodologies related to spinal cord injuries. This emphasis on research not only enriches the fellowship experience but also prepares fellows to contribute to the academic literature in their field.

Application Process and Requirements

Application to the fellowship is competitive, as only one fellow per academic year is accepted. Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in one of several specialties, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, emergency medicine, and neurology, among others. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, USMLE/COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation, with specific guidelines for submission. The program supports J-1 visa applications, though does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship. Applications are due by August 31 for the following year, and participation in the NRMP Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Match is required 3.

Responsibilities and Benefits

Fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes 20 days of paid time off and five additional days designated for continuing medical education activities. Furthermore, fellows receive $1,000 in support for these educational endeavors. Additional benefits may encompass health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and access to retirement plans. Opportunities for growth within a vibrant community of fellows and faculty are also available, enhancing the overall fellowship experience 4.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing an environment designed to encourage inter-professional collaboration and enrich the educational experience for all fellows. Various committees and resources within the Graduate Medical Education community are geared towards supporting fellows' well-being and professional growth, ensuring that they are well-integrated into the fabric of the institution.