University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited program designed for graduates of an accredited neurology residency program. The fellowship provides extensive clinical training focused on cerebrovascular diseases and stroke management as well as opportunities for clinically related research. Each year, the program accepts two fellows, offering rigorous training over the course of 12 months.

Fellows engage in comprehensive training that equips them with the skills needed to address complex clinical scenarios involving stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in various settings such as outpatient stroke clinics, acute and inpatient stroke services, and Neurological and Medical Intensive Care Units. Fellows also participate in didactic lectures, stroke case conferences, and journal clubs. This immersive experience extends to exposure in neuroradiology, endovascular neurology, neurorehabilitation, and neurosurgery, further broadening their scope of learning and practice.

Among the unique aspects of the program is the strong collaborative environment formed with services in Neuroradiology, Endovascular Neurology, and Neurosurgery. The fellowship boasts a significant patient population, treating over 1200 stroke patients annually, which provides an exceptional base for both clinical insight and research potential.

During their training, fellows will alternate responsibilities on the acute and inpatient stroke services, contributing to daily rounds and case management. They are expected to gain the expertise necessary for the independent management of diverse cerebrovascular conditions. The educational objective is not limited to clinical proficiency; it also aims to cultivate effective teamwork skills crucial for managing critically ill neurological patients, such as those suffering from severe strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

In terms of work hours, fellows will generally work during daytime hours, with night calls scheduled during their time on the stroke service. Night calls consist of about four nights per week. Flexibility is expected, allowing fellows to accommodate adjustments in their schedules as required. Importantly, fellows are encouraged to engage in stroke-related research activities, with opportunities for collaborative authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

Fellows benefit from travel stipends to attend educational conferences, including the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Stroke Conference and the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. They will also receive formal mentorship from stroke attendings throughout their rotations to foster continuous professional development and feedback.

The program offers competitive vacation policies, granting fellows 15 days of paid personal leave per year, supporting their need for balance and recovery. Compensation for fellows varies based on PGY levels, adjusted annually according to changes in living expenses.

The application process for the Vascular Neurology Fellowship requires candidates to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates must have completed an ACGME accredited adult neurology residency prior to starting the fellowship, ensuring all fellows possess the necessary foundational knowledge and skills. The program places a premium on candidates demonstrating competencies in communication, teamwork, and ethical care, crucial skills for success in this specialized field.

Competitiveness in applying for the fellowship can be regarded as moderately high due to the specific prerequisites and the caliber of candidates that the program attracts. It welcomes graduates from DO and international medical graduate backgrounds, ensuring fair access for diverse applicants who meet eligibility criteria.

In terms of visa support, the program is equipped to sponsor candidates requiring work visas, including J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating international applicants to join the fellowship.