University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is an ACGME-accredited one-year program designed for those pursuing advanced training in the field of vascular neurology. This program is highly competitive, and the fellows can expect comprehensive training focused on the clinical management of cerebrovascular disorders. Fellows are actively involved in both clinical practice and research, thus fostering a well-rounded educational experience.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide a rigorous educational experience that balances clinical training with research opportunities. Core modules cover critical areas of vascular neurology, including:

• Inpatient Care
• Telestroke
• Neurocritical Care
• Endovascular Neurointervention
• Neuroradiology
• Neurorehabilitation

In addition to these core modules, didactic components include Stroke Quality meetings, Morbidity and Mortality Quality Improvement (MMQI) discussions, and Stroke Case Review meetings, among others. This multifaceted approach ensures fellows gain extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.1

Training Sites

The program is affiliated with the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, recognized as the largest comprehensive stroke center in the state, providing fellows access to a diverse patient population. The acute stroke service averages 10-16 patients daily and is supervised by vascular neurology attendings, stroke fellows, and neurology residents. Facilities include:

• A 12-bed dedicated Stroke Unit
• A 23-bed Neurology-Neurosurgery ICU
• State-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, including multiple MRI scanners and angiography suites

Fellows will also rotate through the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center to gain additional experience in neurorehabilitation and neurosonology.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage in both clinical and epidemiological research related to stroke, with dedicated time allocated for independent research projects. The University serves as a StrokeNet center, facilitating involvement in NIH-funded clinical trials, thereby enhancing research exposure and opportunities for impactful contributions to the field.4

Application Requirements

Applications for the Vascular Neurology Fellowship must be submitted via ERAS, and the program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Candidates must be either United States citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), or possess a J-1 visa sponsored through ECFMG. Notably, the program does not sponsor any other visa types, making it essential for international medical graduates to meet these criteria in their application.1

Core Faculty

The fellowship is supported by a dedicated faculty composed of experienced neurologists and allied specialists. Key faculty overseeing the fellowship include:

• Evgeny V. Sidorov, MD, PhD - Director
• Faddi G. Saleh Velez, MD - Associate Director
• Jorge Ortiz Garcia, MD - Neurocritical Care Unit Director
• Meheroz H. Rabadi, MD - Clinical Professor
• David Lee Gordon, MD - Vice Chair of Education

This diverse team ensures that fellows receive a robust educational experience through mentorship and collaborative learning.2

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship through ECFMG for qualified candidates, emphasizing its commitment to integrating international medical graduates into the fellowship. However, sponsorship does not extend to other visa types.1

Competitiveness and Inclusiveness

This fellowship is recognized for its high standards and competitiveness. The program is open to applicants from different training backgrounds, including both MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs), encouraging a diverse cohort of fellows engaged in advancing vascular neurology.1