University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine provides a comprehensive one-year training program designed to prepare fellows for independent practice in clinical neurophysiology. The program aims to train clinicians who are not only skilled in delivering patient care but also possess a robust understanding of both basic and clinical neurosciences. Trainees can expect to gain extensive clinical experience across a variety of patient settings, receiving supervision from an active faculty deeply committed to education and research.

This fellowship qualifies its graduates to take the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Clinical Neurophysiology Certification Examination, thus enhancing their professional credentials. The program integrates numerous teaching conferences into its curriculum, ensuring a strong foundation in the principles of both basic and clinical sciences, which are critical for a successful neurophysiology practice 1.

Application Process

The application process for the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship is competitive, given the limited number of available positions—often up to three fellows per academic year. As a part of the application, candidates are encouraged to apply early and must submit a series of required documents, including a completed application form, curriculum vitae, personal statement, USMLE or COMLEX exam results, medical school diploma and transcripts, and additional letters of recommendation among others. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are required to provide an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate. Notably, the University of South Florida can only sponsor J-1 visas for international fellows 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum does not include specific specialization tracks for either electromyography (EMG) or electroencephalography (EEG), instead offering extensive training in both areas, recognizing the necessity of this knowledge for certification purposes. Fellows benefit from a well-structured rotation schedule across four main training sites: The Morsani Center, South Tampa Center, James A. Haley VA Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital. This arrangement allows fellows to receive direct supervision from specialty-trained and board-certified attending staff while managing patient care and engaging in professional clinical discussions 3.

Longitudinal Continuity of Care Clinic

In compliance with ACGME guidelines, each fellow is assigned to a continuity of care clinic where they will follow a stable patient panel. This enhances their clinical exposure and allows fellows to develop ongoing patient relationships vital for high-quality care. Clinical activities extend beyond routine rotations; fellows attend weekly Neurophysiology and Epilepsy conferences and have opportunities to engage in broader educational activities, including elective courses and national conferences 4.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program incorporates research as a mandatory component for graduation. Each fellow must engage in scholarly activity, which could involve submitting an abstract to peer-reviewed journals, giving formal presentations at scientific meetings, or contributing to original articles or reviews. This emphasis on research not only enhances the fellow's learning experience but also prepares them for future contributions to the field 5.

Training Sites

Fellows train at various state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• USF Health Neuroscience Institute: A cutting-edge medical facility dedicated to patient care, specializing in neuromuscular conditions.
• South Tampa Center: The primary outpatient practice site for the USF Physicians Group and a multi-specialty diagnostic and treatment facility.
• James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital: A large tertiary care teaching hospital serving veterans with a broad range of specialized services.
• Tampa General Hospital: The primary teaching hospital affiliated with the USF Morsani College of Medicine, known for its research contributions and extensive clinical services.

Each of these institutions provides fellows with ample opportunities for hands-on clinical learning and patient interaction, contributing to their training and future success in clinical neurophysiology 6.

Evaluations and Mentorship

Fellows receive regular evaluations every three months, following ACGME guidelines. These evaluations help ensure ongoing feedback and professional growth. Additionally, fellows are paired with faculty mentors who serve as supportive counselors, providing guidance throughout the fellowship. This mentorship fosters an environment of inquiry and growth, enhancing the fellows' educational experience 7.