University of Tennessee Program

The Neurocritical Care Fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, located at the Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, represents a prestigious opportunity as the first and only academic training program in the state of Tennessee with the country’s busiest stroke service. This two-year, UCNS-accredited fellowship is designed for physicians specializing in the acute management of critically ill patients facing neurological challenges. The program supports a rigorous curriculum that combines extensive clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The faculty consists of a diverse team of neurointensivists who possess dual training and experience in various specialties, including epilepsy, stroke management, and endovascular neurosurgery. This expertise enhances the learning environment, ensuring fellows receive comprehensive education and training while engaging with specialists from Neurosurgery, Critical Care, and Pulmonary Critical Care. This multidisciplinary approach to neurocritical care facilitates the management of a wide array of conditions, including advanced cerebrovascular disorders, neuro-oncology, status epilepticus, and neuromuscular diseases, among others 1.

Fellows are primarily based in a dedicated Neuro ICU that caters to critically ill patients, but they also gain exposure to various clinical settings through additional rotations. These include the Baptist Memorial Hospital, which is known for its advanced cardiovascular ICU, ECMO capabilities, and cardiac transplant procedures. Furthermore, fellows will have the opportunity to rotate at Regional One Health, a level one trauma center, enhancing their experiences with trauma resuscitation and severe traumatic brain injury 2.

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship emphasizes a well-rounded curriculum with a minimum of 10 months spent in the Neuroscience ICU. This includes extensive training in critical care techniques such as EEG monitoring, clinical research methodologies, advanced bedside ultrasound (including point-of-care echocardiography), and intricate airway management strategies, which encompass fiberoptic and video-assisted laryngoscopy, as well as advanced vascular access techniques. Notably, fellows receive training in procedures like bedside percutaneous tracheostomy, thereby broadening their procedural skill set critical to neurocritical care practice 1.

Research Opportunities

Clinical research is an integral component of the fellowship, encouraging fellows to engage in studies that enhance evidence-based practices in neurocritical care. The program aims to foster a research-oriented mindset, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to contribute significantly to the field 2.

Mentorship and Career Development

The fellowship is deeply committed to nurturing its fellows through robust mentorship programs that emphasize their professional growth. The faculty comprises specialists who actively participate in the fellows' career development, ensuring they are well-prepared for future positions in both clinical and academic settings 1.

Selection Criteria and Application Process

To apply to the program, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Neurology, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, or Emergency Medicine prior to the start date of July 1. Applicants are expected to be either board certified or board eligible in their specialty. Additionally, they are required to submit three letters of recommendation from their supervising physicians, the residency program director, and the department chairman. The application process is managed through SFMatch, where candidates must include their CV, personal statement, ECFMG certificate, medical school transcript, and USMLE scores with their submissions 2.

Visa Support

The Neurocritical Care Fellowship provides visa sponsorship opportunities for international medical graduates. Common visa types sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating a pathway for qualified candidates from around the globe to participate in this esteemed fellowship program.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants from various backgrounds, including DO and IMGs. This diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters collaboration among fellows 1.