Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship program is a prestigious, ACGME-accredited training opportunity in Nashville, Tennessee. With a total of eight positions across two tracks—six for adult neurophysiology and two for pediatric neurophysiology—the fellowship is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to practice as future leaders in epilepsy management and clinical neurophysiology.

Program Overview

The mission of the program is to train future epileptologists and neurophysiologists to treat patients with epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders throughout their lifespan. This training is rooted in a high-volume exposure to diverse epilepsy environments, enhancing fellows' clinical skills through hands-on experience.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows experience a comprehensive curriculum that includes various subspecialties across the field. Key educational components comprise:

• Outpatient EEG and Epilepsy Management: Frequent involvement at the outpatient clinic ensures continuity of care.
• Critical Care EEG: Fellows are trained to manage critical cases requiring immediate attention.
• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): The facility includes an 8-bed adult EMU and a 6-bed pediatric EMU, providing fellows ample opportunities for direct involvement.
• Invasive EEG Monitoring: Training includes stereoEEG, GRID, and intraoperative electrocorticography, enhancing surgical skills.
• Research Opportunities: Active involvement in clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives are encouraged throughout the fellowship duration.

This rolling curriculum concludes with preparation for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Subspecialty Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology, to which graduates of the program demonstrate a commendable 100% board pass rate.

Educational Conferences

The fellowship experience is enriched by a robust didactic and conference schedule, including:

• Fellow Conference: Weekly multidisciplinary didactic sessions led by faculty and fellows from various specializations.
• EEG Teaching Conference: Regular interactive discussions on challenging adult and pediatric EEG cases.
• Journal Club: Monthly sessions focusing on peer-reviewed articles presented by fellows.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical education, fellows can engage in research through various initiatives, including:

• Basic and clinical research related to epilepsy and neurophysiology.
• Collaboration with investigative teams across the neurology department, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach.

Fellows are actively encouraged to contribute to ongoing studies and may initiate their research projects under faculty supervision.

Application Process and Requirements

The program adheres to a competitive selection process, requiring applicants to submit various documents through the ERAS platform, including:

• Completed ERAS Application
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• USMLE (Step 1 and 2) or COMLEX transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members familiar with the applicant's work)
• Personal statement detailing interest in the field

Applicants must be board-eligible or board-certified in Neurology by the time of fellowship enrollment. Notably, the program is J-1 visa friendly, sponsoring J-1 visas through ECFMG, while other visa types are not supported. Furthermore, the program welcomes candidates from a range of backgrounds, maintaining an inclusive approach toward DO and IMG graduates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is highly competitive, attracting talented applicants nationwide due to the program's strong emphasis on academic excellence and clinical training.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center is committed to diversity and inclusion across its training and educational programs. The department emphasizes equitable opportunities and values diverse perspectives, ensuring that the fellowship environment is enriching and supportive for all participants.

In conclusion, the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at Vanderbilt offers an extensive educational and practical experience for aspiring specialists in neurology, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and credentials essential for successful careers in neurophysiology.