University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The 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