University of North Carolina Hospitals Program
Location:
Chapel Hill, NCSpecialty:
Neurocritical care (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5503618002The Neurocritical Care Fellowship Program at University of North Carolina Hospitals offers a comprehensive training path aimed at developing future leaders in the management of critically ill neurological patients. Its mission emphasizes the provision of exceptional education and hands-on experience tailored to the needs of fellows from diverse medical backgrounds, including neurology, neurosurgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and more.
Program Features
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship focuses on training fellows to thrive in acute care neurology and intensive care settings. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating diverse training experiences from emergency medicine to critical care medicine under the guidance of board-certified faculty, specialized pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and nursing staff.
Curriculum and Rotations
The program spans either 12 or 24 months, depending on the fellow's previous training background. During this period, fellows participate in extensive clinical rotations:
- Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU) – up to 12 months
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) – 2 months
- Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) – 2 months
- Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) – 2 weeks
- Elective rotations in areas such as Neuro-Interventional Radiology, Neurosurgery, and Stroke Neurology.
Fellows will receive focused training on assessing and managing critically ill neurologic patients suffering from conditions such as acute strokes, traumatic brain injury, and status epilepticus. They are also equipped with skills for various critical care procedures like intubations, advanced hemodynamic monitoring, and point-of-care ultrasound interpretation.
Training Environment
The fellowship is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities at UNC Hospitals, which boasts over 1,000 acute care beds and includes a Level 1 Trauma Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and a Level IV Epilepsy Center. The dedicated Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, which has 22 ICU beds, allows fellows to apply their learning in a high-acuity environment.
Research Opportunities
Research is a pivotal component of the fellowship. UNC serves as a joint Regional Coordinating Center for StrokeNet, a NIH-funded network geared towards advancing acute stroke treatment and recovery. Fellows with an interest in research can participate in an additional year of fellowship focusing on stroke research, which includes participation in national training seminars.
Special Application Requirements
Applicants to the Neurocritical Care Fellowship must be Board Certified or Board Eligible by an appropriate medical board, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties. A completed residency in one of several specialties is necessary, including neurology, neurosurgery, or internal medicine. Other application requirements include:
- Personal statement
- Curriculum vitae
- USMLE/COMLEX transcripts
- Letters of reference
- ECFMG certificate and visa, if applicable
The program provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, supportive of international medical graduates seeking to train in the United States.
Competitiveness
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship is recognized as being highly competitive, attracting candidates from a variety of backgrounds. The program ensures a welcoming environment for both MD and DO graduates as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Salaries and Benefits
The salaries for fellows vary based on their prior training and are determined by the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office. Additional benefits include structured educational opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to numerous learning resources.
Focused Education
Fellows engage in a dedicated educational structure, including:
- Monthly journal clubs
- Biweekly fellow lectures
- Protected educational days
- Guest lectures from both UNC and outside institutions
This robust educational framework aims to provide fellows with both the academic and clinical skills needed to excel in neurocritical care.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
-First year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$72,238First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill, NC, is a vibrant and diverse town known for its rich cultural scene, educational institutions, and beautiful landscapes.
Crime Rate and Safety
Chapel Hill has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities, making it a safe place to live and work.
Fun Activities
Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities such as exploring the local arts scene, dining at unique restaurants, and hiking in nearby parks.
Climate
Chapel Hill has a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters, providing residents with pleasant weather throughout the year.
Races and Population
The population of Chapel Hill is diverse, with a mix of different races and cultures contributing to the town's unique multicultural atmosphere.
Education
Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, providing access to top-notch educational resources and events.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chapel Hill is slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to the town's desirable location and amenities.
Proximity to Major Cities
Chapel Hill is located about 30 minutes away from Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. Raleigh offers a wider range of entertainment options, shopping centers, and cultural events.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Rich cultural scene, low crime rate, proximity to major cities. Cons: Slightly higher cost of living.
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