University of Tennessee Program

The University of Tennessee Vascular Neurology Fellowship Training Program is a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to cultivate highly skilled neurologists who excel in stroke management and neurocritical care. The program’s curriculum is aimed at developing core competencies necessary for effective independent practice, fostering compassionate clinician qualities, and enhancing interpersonal relationships with patients and healthcare professionals. Trainees are also encouraged to engage in educational methodologies and develop the skills required for successful clinical scientific inquiry.

One of the central pillars of this fellowship is the comprehensive exposure to stroke management across various settings. Trainees will learn to effectively assess and treat stroke patients in both emergency and non-emergency environments. They will also be trained to integrate medical economics and social considerations into patient care, particularly concerning end-of-life issues.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to ensure that fellows gain extensive clinical experience and academic knowledge in vascular neurology. The fellowship includes:

• Eight months of inpatient vascular neurology care, focusing on acute stroke management and being on call with the rapid response stroke team.
• One month dedicated to neuro-rehabilitation services, including half-day stroke clinic participation.
• A month in neurocritical care, where fellows will learn to navigate interdisciplinary care for acute patients in collaboration with ICU and neurosurgical teams.
• Elective rotations that may include Neurointervention, Neurosonology, and Neuroradiology.
• Opportunity for independent study and research during a designated rotation.

Fellows receive direct supervision and mentorship from experienced faculty members specializing in vascular and critical care neurology.4

Training Sites

The fellowship training takes place at multiple renowned institutions which provide access to a diverse patient population and advanced medical technologies:

• Methodist University Hospital: Offers hands-on experience in managing acute stroke with a strong emphasis on stroke reperfusion.
• Health South Rehabilitation: Focuses on post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling fellows to contribute to patient recovery plans that encompass various therapeutic aspects including speech, mobility, and cognitive retraining.

These institutions are recognized for their commitment to quality patient care and innovative practices in the field of vascular neurology.

Didactics and Educational Conferences

Fellows benefit from an integrated didactic program that includes:

• Weekly stroke conferences to discuss clinical cases and new research findings.
• Monthly journal clubs and quality improvement meetings.
• Conferences on neuro-ophthalmology, neurophysiology, and neuroradiology, fostering comprehensive learning across multiple neurology subspecialties.

This structured didactic commitment complements the clinical training and emphasizes continuous learning among fellows.5

Application Process and Requirements

Interested candidates are required to apply through ERAS. Specific application requirements may include, but are not limited to, graduation year stipulations and performance thresholds on licensing examinations. The program encourages applications from both allopathic (DO) and international medical graduates (IMGs), striving to cultivate a diverse cohort of fellows. Competitive candidates are typically Those with a solid foundation in neurology and a commitment to pursuing a career in vascular neurology will find the program notably appealing.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants, offering visa sponsorship for those who qualify. Common visa types sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, which facilitate the residency training process for international medical graduates.2

Unique Aspects of the Program

Residing in Memphis, fellows will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant healthcare community, recognized as a hub of medical services in the Mid-South. The program also values the personal and professional growth of fellows, encouraging strong ties between them and the diverse patient community they will serve, which adds a substantial experiential learning dimension to the training.3