University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers a Fellowship in Epilepsy that is grounded in the comprehensive services of the UNM Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. This center is distinguished as the only Level 4 NAEC-accredited epilepsy center in New Mexico, providing advanced epilepsy care to a diverse population of over 2 million individuals across the state and neighboring regions. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and sophisticated treatment options, encompassing medications, epilepsy surgeries, and neuromodulation techniques.

The fellowship program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy care, employing a team of specialists that includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and advanced practice providers. The collaborative environment ensures comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and management of complex seizure disorders in both adults and children.1

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Epilepsy Fellowship includes extensive clinical training in the evaluation and management of epilepsy. Fellows will participate in various patient care activities, including outpatient care, inpatient consultations, and neurophysiological assessments. The training also involves the use of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), which utilizes cutting-edge video-EEG monitoring for accurate seizure diagnostics and treatment planning.

Fellows receive deep insights into various treatment modalities, including pharmacologic therapies, the application of neuromodulation strategies such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and presurgical evaluations for patients with refractory epilepsy. The curriculum is designed to prepare the fellows for independent practice in epilepsy management and to offer leadership in the care of patients with seizure disorders.2

Rotations

The fellowship offers rotations across multiple specialties, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to various aspects of epilepsy treatment. Rotational experiences include direct participation in:

• The UNM Comprehensive Epilepsy Center for outpatient and inpatient services.
• The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit where advanced monitoring techniques are utilized.
• Neurosurgical services focusing on epilepsy procedures.
• Neuropsychological services, providing insights into the cognitive implications of seizure disorders.

Fellows will also participate in weekly team meetings, case discussions, and educational conferences to enhance collaborative learning and clinical decision-making skills.3

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in research, offering avenues to participate in clinical and translational research initiatives pertaining to epilepsy. Fellows can collaborate with experienced faculty on research projects aimed at improving epilepsy treatment outcomes and advancing the scientific understanding of the underlying mechanisms of seizure disorders.

Investigative efforts may include studies on new therapeutic modalities, the efficacy of surgical interventions, and investigations into the neuropsychological impact of epilepsy on patients. Participation in research not only bolsters the fellow’s expertise but also contributes to the advancement of epilepsy care at a national level.4

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), which houses the EMU and all associated clinics. The EMU is designed for in-depth seizure monitoring and features state-of-the-art equipment for continuous video-EEG monitoring, essential for precise seizure characterization and localization.

In addition to UNMH, fellows might engage with affiliated hospitals and clinics within the network, providing exposure to a range of patient populations and healthcare settings within the community.5

Visa Support

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers visa support for international applicants. The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the recruitment of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs). This engagement enriches the fellowship experience by incorporating various cultural and medical perspectives.6

Competitiveness

The Epilepsy Fellowship program is highly competitive. Candidates are evaluated based on their clinical experience, academic accomplishments, and demonstration of commitment to a career in epilepsy and neurology. The program is friendly toward both DO and IMGs, recognizing the diverse qualifications and experiences that candidates bring.7

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include recent graduation from a medical school recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Additionally, candidates are typically expected to have completed a neurology residency. The program has a defined policy regarding failed exams, and applicants are encouraged to review the details surrounding application requirements directly.