Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center focuses on the comprehensive understanding of neuromuscular disorders, which involve various conditions leading to muscle weakness or wasting. This one-year fellowship program is designed for two fellows each year, providing extensive training in diagnosing and managing these complex diseases.

Neuromuscular disorders can arise from issues in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or directly in muscle fibers, and may be hereditary or acquired. Notable categories within this field include myopathies, neuromuscular junction disorders, and peripheral neuropathies, encompassing a vast range of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and diabetic neuropathy.

Curriculum and Training

The training in the Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship is structured to include comprehensive instruction and exposure to neuromuscular disorders. Training components include neurophysiology, specifically nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), neuromuscular ultrasound, neuropathology, and hands-on experience with key procedures such as:

• Chemodenervation
• Unified Health Care (UHC) needle muscle biopsy
• Intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) skin biopsy
• Autonomic testing
• Single fiber EMG

These training facets ensure fellows develop a robust skill set essential for managing a wide range of conditions effectively.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant focus of the fellowship, providing fellows with opportunities to engage in innovative studies and clinical investigations. The program supports competitive extramural funding for research and aims to increase participation in multi-center clinical trials. There are also opportunities to work on fundamental studies related to motor neuron diseases, including ALS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and various muscular dystrophies, among others.

Training Sites

The training occurs at high-quality facilities, with a comprehensive approach to patient care integrating both clinical practice and research opportunities. Fellows are exposed to specialized clinics, including the first ALS Clinic in North Carolina certified by the ALS Association, and an active Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic, which enhances the learning experience through direct patient care.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly to international applicants, providing visa support for qualified candidates. The types of visas that may be sponsored include J-1 exchange visitor visas and H-1B specialty occupation visas, which facilitate international fellows to participate in the program.

Regarding competitiveness, the fellowship strives to recruit highly qualified individuals. The selection process is rigorous, evaluating candidates based on their medical training, experience, and dedication to the field of neuromuscular medicine.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to be mindful of specific criteria during the application process. While the program typically does not impose strict limitations on the year of graduation, candidates with outstanding performance on standardized exams, such as the USMLE, are favorably considered. There are no maximum failed STEP exams designated, but a strong performance enhances an application’s competitiveness.

In summary, the Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center provides a comprehensive training experience in managing complex neuromuscular conditions, supported by strong research and clinical care opportunities.