University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Child Neurology Residency program at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque offers a comprehensive five-year categorical training pathway that incorporates two years of pediatrics and three years of child neurology. The program is designed to facilitate clinical education, leadership development, and active engagement with underserved populations. Residents are equipped with the necessary mentorship and experiences to shape their individual career trajectories.

Clinical Training Overview

The residency is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and aims to ensure that all trainees are board eligible in both pediatrics and neurology upon completion of the program. The first two years are dedicated to pediatrics, providing residents with a robust foundation in pediatric care at the UNM Children’s Hospital—the only dedicated children's hospital in New Mexico. Trainees engage in both clinical and classroom experiences, building confidence and preparing for board examinations.

Pediatric rotations include intensive care unit experiences in both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which offer early exposure to complex neurologic care. Following the pediatrics training, residents will spend the subsequent three years immersed in neurology, which offers a flexible rotation schedule to address individual learning needs and areas of interest, covering general neurology, stroke services, and various adult neurology subspecialties.

Child Neurology Training

During the 24 months allocated for child neurology training, residents participate extensively in inpatient services, outpatient clinics, and electives. Inpatient experiences generally consist of consult services, including managing patients on the epilepsy monitoring unit for prolonged video EEG studies. These interactions foster long-term relationships with pediatric patients and their families while ensuring residents gain exposure to a diverse array of complex neurological conditions.

Outpatient experiences are structured to encourage residents to follow their own patients, retrofitting traditional shadowing roles into a more integrated care model, where residents continue to manage more challenging patients who may have rare conditions.

Didactic Curriculum and Career Development

The curriculum includes combined didactic sessions with adult neurology residents, featuring daily lectures that cover various neuroanatomy and neuropathology topics, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Additional educational opportunities include the Residents as Educators program and the Office of Medical Educator Development, focusing on enhancing teaching and mentorship skills.

Research and Quality Improvement (QI) projects are encouraged, providing residents the opportunity to develop sustained research involvement throughout their training. Faculty members serve as mentors across diverse fields, including child neurology and basic science research.

Benefits and Work Environment

The residency program emphasizes a collegial and supportive work environment, bolstered by faculty who actively engage with residents and facilitate effective mentorship. A strong sense of community is cultivated among trainees, promoting a positive learning atmosphere. Residents also benefit from a wellness program that encourages healthy living and offers various services to maintain work-life balance.

Application Information

Prospective residents must have graduated from an accredited medical school within two years of application, demonstrate proficiency in English, and maintain commendable academic records without significant difficulties. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) should possess a J-1 visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship and have secured ECFMG certification.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early as the program has a competitive nature. When reviewed, candidates may be contacted for interviews, with careful consideration given to individual experiences and training needs.

This residency program reflects the mission of the UNM School of Medicine to enhance community health through high-quality training and dedicated service.