University of Tennessee Program

Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Overview

The University of Tennessee Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Training Program is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train neurologists in the core competencies of clinical neurophysiology. The program aims to develop fellows into compassionate clinicians who can effectively communicate with patients, families, and colleagues. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of self-learning and aims to cultivate clinical scientists who can practice neurophysiology independently.

Trainees will gain skills in multiple facets of clinical neurophysiology, performing and interpreting electrophysiological tests, and caring for patients with a range of disorders including neuromuscular conditions, epilepsy, and sleep disorders in both regular and emergency settings. Furthermore, the program values professional conduct and interpersonal skills, medical economics, and managed care, and prepares fellows to address end-of-life issues.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum is structured into distinct phases over the one-year training period:

• 1st Month: Orientation phase where the fellow observes and assists in patient treatment and test performance.
• 2nd - 3rd Month: Involvement in performing electromyography and reading EEGs. This period also includes interpretation of sleep study findings.
• 3rd - 5th Months: Active participation in neuromuscular, sleep, and epilepsy clinics. The fellow will perform EMGs and evaluate inpatients.
• 6th Month: The fellow will take on the responsibility of managing their own patients in neuromuscular and epilepsy clinics, making independent diagnostic and treatment decisions while under supervision.

Daily activities include patient rounds, teaching, and laboratory tests that target developing competencies in patient care, medical knowledge, and interpersonal communication skills.

Didactic Training

The program incorporates a robust didactic curriculum to enhance fellows' clinical understanding:

• Neurophysiology Conference: Covers essential anatomy, physiology, EMG principles, and test interpretations.
• Sleep Disorder Conference: Focuses on a wide range of sleep disorders.
• Pediatric Neurology Conferences: Enhance knowledge and clinical competence in pediatric neurology and neurophysiology.
• Neurology Grand Rounds: Offers presentations from nationally recognized faculty and discusses cutting-edge neurological topics.
• Fellows Journal Club: Encourages skills in evidence-based medicine through literature review and discussion.
• Weekly EEG and Integrated EEG Conferences: Discuss technical aspects and interpretations of EEG and evoked responses.

Training Facilities

The fellowship utilizes various esteemed facilities for clinical training:

• Le Bonheur Children's Hospital: A top-ranked children's hospital and Level 1 pediatric trauma center, which serves a large pediatric population.
• Memphis VA Medical Center: A primary adult teaching hospital that provides care to veterans, offering the fellow diverse cases, including those related to traumatic brain injuries and PTSD.

Both facilities allow fellows to perform and interpret nerve conduction tests, EMGs, and EEGs while providing experiences with a diverse patient population.

Faculty Insights

The fellowship is led by a dedicated faculty group comprising specialists with extensive experience in neurology and neurophysiology. They are committed to mentoring fellows through personalized instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. This mentorship fosters an environment of academic inquiry and professional growth, guiding fellows toward becoming independent practitioners in the field.

Application Process

To apply for the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, candidates must meet specific criteria including:

• Completion of an ACGME accredited Neurology residency before the fellowship start date.
• Board certification or eligibility in Neurology.
• At least three months of basic neurophysiology training, including EMG and EEG, during residency.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director.

Required application documents include a CV, personal statement, ECFMG certificate, medical school transcript, and USMLE scores.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas. This support facilitates applications from qualified fellows globally, fostering a diverse training environment.

The fellowship is highly competitive, as it attracts candidates who are looking to gain substantial expertise in clinical neurophysiology and who meet the rigorous selection criteria.

Living in Memphis

Memphis offers a vibrant cultural experience, featuring historic music landmarks, delicious cuisine, and a moderate climate, making it an attractive place to live during fellowship training. The city’s healthcare landscape is also substantial, with multiple renowned hospitals contributing to a rich clinical training environment.