University of Virginia Medical Center Program

The University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center's Child Neurology Residency Program offers a comprehensive and detailed training path, designed to equip residents with the clinical acumen and skills necessary to excel in child neurology. Directed by Kathryn Xixis, M.D., and supported by associate directors Kristen Heinan, M.D., Alex Wood, M.D., and department chair Howard Goodkin, M.D., Ph.D., the program emphasizes a blend of exceptional patient care, high-quality education, faculty and resident well-being, and professional development.

The residency is a five-year categorical program, with the first two years covering prerequisite training followed by three years focused directly on child neurology. This includes a year of adult neurology rotations and two years of child neurology rotations, offering an expansive range of inpatient and outpatient experiences. The UVA Child Neurology Residency goes beyond general clinical training to offer specialized clinics in numerous areas such as pediatric movement disorders, neuroimmunology, and epilepsy among others.

Residents at UVA benefit from a program that not only provides a broad and in-depth clinical experience but also focuses intently on one-on-one mentoring. This mentoring allows residents to tailor their training to their specific interests, aiding their growth and career development in sectors like teaching, leadership, and research. The environment at UVA is described as friendly and welcoming, underlining support for residents both professionally and personally.

The curriculum of the program highlights a structured training pathway, including six months of core adult neurology and a rich diversity of child neurology experiences across inpatient and outpatient settings in PGY3. In PGY4, residents focus on mastering acute child neurology problems, while PGY5 allows for further specialization and extensive elective time to diversify their knowledge unique to child neurology. The program includes specialized training tracks for those interested in clinical education or research, enhancing the flexibility to pursue individual career goals.

For international medical graduates, the program outlines specific requirements, notably that it accepts applications from foreign medical graduates without specifying minimum USMLE score cut-offs or graduation year constraints. Clinical experience in the United States is advantageous but not a prerequisite. A valid ECFMG certificate is required, and the program sponsors both J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to a broad cohort of prospective residents.

Application requirements for the program are standard, with an emphasis on the complete ERAS application packet, including three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, medical school transcript, USMLE scores (with Step 1 required at the time of application), Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's letter), and a personal statement.

With interviews conducted from October through January, the program offers a single categorical child neurology position per year, detailed under NRMP code 1737185C0. The inclusion of a robust schedule for interviews and comprehensive information for international graduates underscores the program's commitment to attracting a diverse and talented group of residents.

Overall, the UVA Child Neurology Residency Program offers a blend of clinical rigor, educational wealth, and personalized mentorship, set against the backdrop of a supportive and enriching residency environment. This makes it an appealing choice for future child neurologists aiming to develop a firm foundation in both clinical and academic neurology.