University of Missouri-Columbia Program

Overview of the Neurology Residency Program

The University of Missouri-Columbia's Neurology Residency Program is a fully accredited categorical program in adult neurology. It aims to prepare residents for careers in various fields of neurology, whether in private practice or academic settings. The program has a robust clinical and research environment supported by a wide array of specialists, including those in stroke, epilepsy, and neuro-critical care, among others. The department is affiliated with MU Health Care, which includes a Level IV Epilepsy Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reinforcing its commitment to leading-edge training.

The residency program is structured to provide comprehensive exposure to the field of neurology, enhanced by a collaborative environment. Residents are offered ample opportunities to engage in clinical activities and research initiatives, backed by federally funded research projects and clinical trials. The focus is on supporting residents as they navigate through their training, ensuring they emerge with proficient skills in clinical neurology.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is designed in line with the guidelines set forth by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. It includes a unique set of innovations improved by resident feedback. These innovations include:

• Neuro Boot Camp: This program is held in the final months of the first year and allows PGY1 residents to work closely with PGY2s, facilitating their transition into the next year of residency.
• Neuro School: A dedicated two-week course for PGY1 residents designed to provide focused didactics, readings, and assessments without assigned clinical rotations.
• Night Float System: The program employs a night float system for weeknight coverage instead of traditional overnight calls.
• Continuity Clinics: These are structured to take place weekly, ensuring both clinical experience and elective time throughout the latter years of training.

Additionally, the program offers generous elective time, enabling residents to tailor their training experiences according to their professional interests.

The curriculum is regularly revisited to enhance effectiveness, adapt to resident needs, and incorporate the latest in medical education practices. Each block in the residency includes various specialties to ensure a broad learning experience.

Didactic Learning

The didactic framework of the program underwent a significant overhaul recently, transitioning from daily brief conferences to a more engaging weekly half-day session. The new system incorporates:

• Core Hands-on Activity: This includes simulations and experiential learning opportunities relevant to the day’s topic.
• Local and Online Resources: The curriculum utilizes video lectures and resources from the institution's simulation labs.
• Weekly Assessments: Residents participate in multiple-choice question assessments related to their learning cycle and continuously evaluate competency through relevant materials.

This revamped didactic system facilitates a thorough coverage of neurological topics and aims to improve overall resident engagement and satisfaction.

Training Sites

Training predominantly takes place at University Hospital, a recognized Level I trauma center, where a variety of complex cases are managed. Additional training occurs at:

• Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital: Offers hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to veteran care.
• Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital: Provides additional elective opportunities for residents.
• Children’s Mercy Hospital: An essential site for pediatric neurology training.

These sites enable a diverse patient population, ensuring residents encounter a wide range of neurological disorders and treatment scenarios.

Wellness Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of mental and physical wellness in residency, the program has implemented a variety of wellness initiatives. This includes dedicated sessions during noon conferences that focus on wellness topics, along with social events for residents to foster camaraderie and support among peers. A wellness suggestion box allows residents to share their ideas and feedback, demonstrating the program's commitment to resident well-being.

Application Process

The residency program only accepts applications through ERAS, with specific requirements that include: a completed Universal Application, Medical School Transcript, USMLE and/or COMLEX results (not required at the time of application), three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a photo. Applicants must have either an anticipated graduation date by June 2025 or have graduated within the last five years and engaged in clinical activity since graduation. Competitive applicants typically exhibit strong interpersonal skills, academic achievements, and a commitment to clinical medicine.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, actively seeking residents from various backgrounds to enrich the learning environment. Residents are encouraged to value different perspectives, fostering an inclusive culture within the team.

Visa Sponsorship and Support

The residency program also provides visa support for international medical graduates, offering sponsorship for J-1 visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from around the globe can join the program and contribute to its diverse cohort.

Competitiveness

The Neurology Residency Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia is highly competitive. It maintains a welcoming environment for applicants, including both MD and DO candidates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The selection committee looks favorably upon candidates who demonstrate their commitment to the field through clinical experiences and strong recommendations.