UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery offers a renowned seven-year residency program aimed at training exceptional neurosurgeons. Accredited by the UPMC Graduate Medical Education Council and the ACGME, the program is approved to train 28 residents, with four new residents each year. The program focuses on providing outstanding clinical and scientific education for graduates aspiring to become future leaders in neurological surgery.

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery, with roots tracing back to 1936, is the largest neurosurgical academic provider in the United States. The department emphasizes patient care, education, and research, performing over 9,000 major procedures annually across various hospitals.

In national rankings, the University of Pittsburgh neurological surgery residency program has been recognized for its excellence. Notably, in a 2023 survey of U.S. physicians by Doximity, the program was ranked #7 for best clinical training. The program has also received accolades from publications such as USA Today and Becker's Spine Review.

Research opportunities within the program cover various areas such as brain tumors, spine tumors, stem cells, and viral vectors in tumor management. Residents engage in basic science and clinical research projects, with many spending significant time on research endeavors.

The program structure includes rotations starting from PGY-1, with a strong emphasis on clinical experience, patient care, and research. Residents progress through different levels, gaining increasing responsibility and surgical skills. In the PGY-5 year, residents can choose paths focused either on clinical investigation or surgeon-scientist investigation, tailored towards subspecialty training and research.

The department offers a wealth of specialties and features, including comprehensive spine surgery, endoscopic skull base surgery, microsurgical labs, gamma knife radiosurgery, and advanced neuroimaging capabilities.

Graduates of the program have excelled in various fields, with multiple publications, national presentations, and significant recognition in the form of awards and fellowships. The program boasts a comprehensive educational experience, preparing residents for both academic and private practice careers in neurosurgery.

For those interested in applying to the program, detailed application information is available on the ERAS or NRMP websites with an application deadline of October 21. Selected applicants can expect communication by mid-November for virtual interviews.

Overall, the UPMC Neurological Surgery Residency Program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a structured and rigorous training environment for aspiring neurosurgeons, blending clinical excellence, research opportunities, and a rich academic legacy.