University of Virginia Medical Center Program
Location:
Charlottesville, VASpecialty:
Neurocritical care (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5505118001The Neurocritical Care fellowship at the University of Virginia offers an intensive and comprehensive training experience designed for neurology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine graduates. Additionally, the program provides a one-year option tailored for anesthesiology and neurosurgery trainees. Recognized as a United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)-accredited program, it is specifically structured to accommodate only one fellow per year, ensuring personalized mentorship and a robust learning environment.
During the first year, the fellow assumes primary clinical responsibilities within the neurocritical care unit, supplemented by rotations across various critical care settings, including neuroanesthesia. Supervised by the neurointensive care fellowship core faculty, fellows gradually gain increasing responsibility in managing inpatients, fostering a skill set that spans both neurological and general critical care management. The second year emphasizes research, education development, or administrative tasks, balancing clinical work with scholarly pursuits.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship nurtures an environment rich in research specialization, encompassing topics such as status epilepticus, stroke, neuroinfectious disease, neuroinflammation, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and systems approaches for monitoring neurosurgical patients post-operation. The program's goal is to equip fellows with the necessary skills to excel in neurocritical care and to prepare them for the diverse challenges of intensive care in varying medical contexts 1.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum at the University of Virginia Medical Center is rigorously designed to provide extensive clinical training. Rotations throughout the fellowship include critical care ICUs—Neuro ICU, Medical ICU, Surgical/Trauma/Burn ICU, and Coronary Care Unit, among others. Unique elective rotations allow fellows to tailor their experience based on individual interests, optimizing professional development.
Fellows will also be trained to perform essential bedside procedures, which include the placement of central lines, arterial lines, and hemodialysis catheters among others. Instruction on advanced procedures such as bronchoscopy and ultrasound further enhances their critical care competencies. Daily didactic sessions are a cornerstone of the program, facilitating the education of residents and students, and helping fellows to contribute to developing the curriculum for the rotating residents 2.
Didactic Sessions and Fellow Responsibilities
The educational landscape of the fellowship extends into a rich didactic environment, featuring engaging sessions led by attending physicians and guest speakers. Weekly fellow-level lectures and a commitment to structured administrative meetings ensure that fellows are not only practitioners but also integral contributors to the educational framework of the department.
Previous Alumni
The program boasts an impressive track record of fellows who have advanced to notable positions in the field, including directors and professors. The success of past fellows underlines the program's commitment to fostering leaders in neurocritical care 3.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The fellowship at the University of Virginia supports various visa types, thus broadening the eligibility for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is known for being competitive; however, it maintains a welcoming stance towards DO applicants and IMGs, encouraging a diverse group of candidates 1.
Application Requirements
Applicants must have completed their respective residency programs in Neurology, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. Special consideration is given to candidates who have maintained a strong academic and clinical performance record. Additionally, candidates may need to meet specific criteria, such as a maximum of two attempts on the USMLE exams and a graduation year limit to ensure contemporary training alignment 1.
In summary, the Neurocritical Care Fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center presents a rigorous training platform with ample research opportunities, varied clinical experiences, and a dedicated support system for future neurocritical care leaders.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,198First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
-Residents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Charlottesville, VA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA, is a charming city located in central Virginia. Here's a breakdown of various aspects of living in Charlottesville:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Charlottesville generally has a moderate crime rate with a focus on property crimes. It is always recommended to be cautious in any city.
- Fun Activities: Charlottesville is known for its historical sites, vineyards, and outdoor activities like hiking in Shenandoah National Park. There are also cultural events, music festivals, and a thriving food scene.
- Climate: Charlottesville experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and mild winters. Fall is particularly beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves.
- Races and Population: Charlottesville has a diverse population, with a mix of races and ethnicities contributing to its vibrant community.
- Education: Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, which brings a strong academic and intellectual atmosphere to the city.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Charlottesville is slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing costs. However, compared to big cities, it is still relatively affordable.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Washington, D.C., is around 2 to 3 hours away by car, and Richmond, VA, is about an hour and a half away. Both cities offer more extensive cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.
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