University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program
Location:
Madison, WISpecialty:
Clinical neurophysiologyACGME Code:
1875621091The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics is a comprehensive training program designed for individuals who have already completed an accredited neurology residency. This fellowship aims to prepare graduates for the ABPN subspecialty certification in Clinical Neurophysiology while allowing the flexibility to tailor experiences according to the individual fellow's interests and career goals.
The program offers two positions per year and is hosted at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which is recognized as a world-class institution situated in a culturally vibrant city with an atmosphere that balances the vibrancy of urban life with the calm of a smaller community.
Fellowship Structure
Fellows can choose between various tracks, primarily focusing on epilepsy and/or neuromuscular disorders. The available trajectories include:
- 70%-80% Epilepsy and 20%-30% Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM): This trajectory equips fellows with the skills to read and interpret EEGs across various populations including adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. Significant time is dedicated to managing patients in epilepsy monitoring units and learning about pre-surgical evaluations.
- 50% Epilepsy and 50% Neuromuscular: This balanced approach provides fellows with extensive training in both EEG interpretation and EMG techniques, allowing for comprehensive exposure to neuromuscular conditions alongside epilepsy.
This structure ensures that fellows are well-prepared for careers in either clinical practice or academic settings, with a history of successful board pass rates among graduates.
Curriculum and Rotations
The fellowship curriculum incorporates various educational offerings, including:
- ACNS CNP Bootcamp: A seven-week online program providing foundational knowledge in Clinical Neurophysiology, featuring both on-demand lectures and interactive live sessions.3
- Book Club Series: This weekly didactic session engages fellows in reviewing key texts and articles, enhancing their understanding of neurophysiology and epilepsy medicine.4
- Epilepsy Didactics: Multidisciplinary conferences focused on cases involving complex epilepsy that integrate contributions from several specialties including neurology, neuropsychology, and neuroradiology.5
Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes research, offering fellows opportunities to engage in various projects aimed at exploring critical care EEG, dietary therapies for epilepsy, and animal models of epilepsy. Collaborations on research such as the ongoing U01 Epilepsy Connectome Project further enhance the fellowship's research environment.1
Unique Aspects
In addition to clinical training and research, the fellowship places a significant emphasis on mentorship. Fellows are encouraged to meet regularly with supervisors and mentors to discuss clinical skills, academic goals, and career trajectories. This collaboration fosters a supportive learning environment essential for professional growth.18
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at UW-Madison is competitive and may be open to both MD and DO graduates. Furthermore, the program is recognized for being friendly towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship for eligible fellows, including J-1 and H-1B visa types.12
Specific application requirements may include a maximum limit on failed STEP exams and a preference for recent graduates from accredited neurology programs. It is advisable for applicants to thoroughly review individual qualifications before applying.
Call Schedule and Attendance Policies
Fellows are expected to participate in on-call rotations, typically one overnight call per week and one weekend call each month. These responsibilities include real-time EEG reviews and multidisciplinary communication with clinical teams.17
The program maintains a fellow attendance policy, aiming for a minimum participation in necessary educational conferences to foster continuous learning and successful board certification.8
Well-Being and Professional Development
The program emphasizes the well-being of its fellows, recognizing the importance of mental health despite the demands of training. Resources and support are offered to help fellows manage stress and ensure a balanced life, which is essential for maintaining professional competence throughout their careers.19
Website
Director
Smitha K Holla, MBBSProgram Director for CNP Fellowship, Assistant Professor of Neurology Appointed Since January 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,241First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
9.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Madison, WI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Madison, WI
Madison, WI, known for its beautiful lakes, vibrant music scene, and outdoor activities, offers a unique living experience. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Safety: Madison has a relatively low crime rate, making it a generally safe city.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports on the surrounding lakes. The city also hosts various cultural events, farmers' markets, and music festivals.
- Climate: Madison experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during the winter months.
- Population & Races: The population of Madison is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities contributing to the city's vibrant culture.
- Education: Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, providing educational opportunities and a youthful energy to the city.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Madison is reasonable compared to other major cities in the US, but it can be higher than the national average.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Chicago is about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, offering access to a bigger city for weekend getaways. Milwaukee is about 1.5 hours away, providing a closer urban experience.
- Pros: Beautiful natural surroundings, cultural events, educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
- Cons: Cold winters and potentially higher cost of living compared to some other locations in the US.
Interview Questions
