University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program

Welcome to the Child Neurology Residency program at Dell Medical School, part of The University of Texas at Austin. This program is designed to nurture physician leaders equipped to tackle systemic health challenges while providing exceptional care to individual patients.

Overview of the Residency Program

The Child Neurology Residency encompasses a five-year training pathway. This program includes two years of foundational pediatric training followed by three years specializing in neurology. The first two years are spent within the Pediatric Residency, where residents gain broad experience with diverse pediatric disorders.

The pediatric faculty consists of a wide array of specialists including hospitalists, critical care experts, and pediatric surgeons, among others. Postgraduate Year (PGY) residents integrate seamlessly into child neurology-focused educational and social sessions as available, laying a strong foundation for the subsequent years of specialized training in neurology.

Training Experience and Rotations

During the final three years of training, residents embark on approximately twelve months of adult neurology rotations, followed by two years dedicated to child neurology. This dual focus ensures comprehensive exposure to both adult and pediatric neurology. The curriculum features a variety of rotations including inpatient consultation, outpatient clinics, EEG monitoring, and additional electives such as neuro-ophthalmology and neuro-genetics, among others.

The program emphasizes integration, offering outpatient subspecialty training that combines adult and pediatric experiences whenever feasible. Importantly, residents primarily handle pediatric night calls, even during adult neurology rotations.

Training Facilities

The primary training facility is Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, a cutting-edge 300-bed hospital renowned as a Level I pediatric trauma center and housing a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. This facility supports an array of pediatric neuroscience initiatives and provides ample resources for clinical education.

The program also utilizes the Dell Seton Medical Center for adult inpatient care, which features advanced neurology services and significant patient volume.

Curriculum and Scholarly Activity

Residents engage in a structured curriculum comprising 13 block rotations each lasting four weeks. Child neurology rotations are further broken down into specific areas of focus including inpatient consultation, outpatient clinics, and EEG rotations. Continuous assessment and participation in scholarly projects are integral components of the residency, encouraging publication and active research collaboration.

Residents are invited to attend numerous conferences and educational events, fostering a collaborative learning environment within the neurology community.

Faculty and Mentorship

The residency program boasts a robust faculty, housing more than 20 members with expertise across various subspecialties such as epilepsy, neuro-immunology, and stroke. These faculty members are committed to mentoring residents through their training, ensuring a rich educational experience and promoting collaborative patient care.

Application Process

The residency program accepts two categorical (PGY-1) positions annually, requiring a singular application that integrates both pediatric and child neurology training. International medical graduates are encouraged to apply but must hold a valid J1 visa and certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Candidates are advised to submit at least three letters of recommendation alongside a personal statement as part of the application package.

Interviews are conducted virtually, allowing prospective residents to meet faculty and current residents, which fosters an initial sense of community.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

International candidates applying to the program should be informed that the program sponsors J1 visas for eligible foreign medical graduates seeking to undertake this residency.

The Child Neurology Residency is a competitive program that is increasingly welcoming to DO and IMG applicants, backed by a supportive faculty and a commitment to diversity in medical training. Applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they meet the program's requirements and share the program's mission of addressing complex health issues.

Resident Life and Community

Residents are encouraged to embrace the vibrant culture of Austin, known for its rich musical landscape and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's unique social fabric contributes positively to the residency experience, fostering a healthy work-life balance.