University of Rochester Medical Center Program

The University of Rochester offers a comprehensive Neurocritical Care Fellowship program that is certified by both ACGME and CAST. This multidisciplinary fellowship provides immersive training in a closed 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) located within a Level 1 Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center. The fellowship aims to equip fellows with the necessary skills to manage complex, critically ill neurologic and neurosurgical patients through collaboration with a highly trained team of specialists, including board-certified Neurointensivists and various allied health professionals including advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, and therapists.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows encounter a range of common diagnoses, including but not limited to ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and neuromuscular respiratory failure. The program is also recognized for its supportive and collegial learning environment that encourages evidence-based approaches and collaboration with neurosurgery, stroke, and general neurology teams.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship spans two years, consisting of extensive clinical rotations within the Neuro Medicine ICU as well as electives tailored to the interests of the fellows. The following is a sample block rotation for the fellowship:

• **Year 1**: **July**: Neuro-ICU; **August**: Neuro-ICU; **September**: Neuro-ICU; **October**: Medical ICU; **November**: Elective;
• **December**: Neuro-ICU; **January**: Neuro-ICU; **February**: Burn/Trauma ICU; **March**: Neuro-ICU; **April**: Neuro-ICU; **May**: Elective; **June**: Neuro-ICU.

For **Year 2**, fellows continue similar rotations, with a mix of required Neuro-ICU and various electives, focusing on critical care training across multiple specialties, including stroke, neurosurgery, and critical care management.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program places a strong emphasis on research and academic involvement, encouraging fellows to participate in both clinical and basic science research. There is ample opportunity to engage in quality improvement projects as well as to present findings at local and regional conferences. Fellows are supported in attending national meetings to further their educational and networking goals.

Application Requirements and Process

The fellowship accepts two fellows annually via the SF Matching Program. Applicants must have completed residency training in an ACGME-accredited program in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, or Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine. International applicants must hold a J-1 Visa or the status of a U.S. Permanent Resident. An H1B visa is not accepted.

Additional application requirements include:

• A completed GME application
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of good standing from the residency director
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation.

Fellows will be evaluated based on these documents, and selected candidates will be invited for interviews scheduled between February and May.

Living in Rochester

Rochester, New York is noted for its affordable cost of living, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to natural attractions, such as the Finger Lakes. The city is characterized by a rich array of activities and amenities that make it an attractive place to live and train. Medical trainees often find that the cost of housing is significantly lower compared to national averages, making Rochester a favorable choice for residency training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets this fellowship apart is its multidisciplinary approach to neurocritical care, providing education and training from various specialties. The faculty members are from diverse fields, including neurology, neurosurgery, anesthesia, and critical care, ensuring that fellows receive well-rounded training in managing complex neurocritical conditions. Opportunities in advanced neuro-monitoring, procedural training, and significant involvement in clinical trials further enhance the educational experience.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports J-1 visa status for international applicants, emphasizing the need for fellows to possess a current certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and clinical experience in the U.S. within the last two years. This support facilitates a diverse and inclusive training environment for fellows from various international backgrounds.