Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Program in Neurology offers an in-depth education aimed at equipping residents with the skills required to excel in any clinical setting. This encompasses rural medicine, global practice, subspecialty care, and academic medicine. The program is designed with a dynamic curriculum that ensures residents master the intricate aspects of neurology through a comprehensive four-year training cycle. Initially, residents establish a solid foundation in internal medicine, progressively taking on leadership roles by managing the Neurology Admit service. Central to the program’s philosophy is the commitment to providing diverse clinical training environments, comprehensive mentorship, robust research opportunities, and participation in teaching, all fostering a well-rounded expertise in neurology15.

Curriculum and Rotations

Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1)

In the first year, the curriculum focuses on developing a foundational understanding of internal medicine while introducing residents to neurology through various rotations and continuity clinics. Key rotations include:2

• Inpatient Neurology
• Neurology Subspecialty Clinic
• Medical Intensive Care

Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2)

The second year emphasizes a broad exposure to both outpatient and inpatient neurology, allowing residents to refine their skills in managing neurological diseases and engage in elective rotations. Significant rotations during this year include:24

• General Neurology Inpatient Service
• Vascular Neurology Inpatient Service
• Neurocritical Care

Postgraduate Year 3 (PGY3)

This year focuses on increasing the residents' responsibilities in patient care and teaching roles, facilitating their development into more autonomous practitioners. Key rotations involve General and Vascular Neurology Inpatient Services, with the opportunity to pursue elective exploration2.

Postgraduate Year 4 (PGY4)

In the final year, the training emphasizes independent practice and supervisory roles. Residents oversee junior colleagues with essential rotations in General Neurology and subspecialties such as Psychiatry. Elective opportunities are available in EEG/Epilepsy, Neurocritical Care, Neuroradiology, and Movement Disorders, among others24.

A night float call system is integrated throughout the residency, striking a balance between training demands and resident wellbeing2.

Training Sites and Facilities

The program affords residents the opportunity to train in a variety of clinical settings via partnerships with several prominent facilities:1

• Miami Valley Hospital: Recognized as a major teaching hospital, it provides extensive clinical services, including a specialized Neurocritical Care Unit7.
• Miami Valley Hospital South: Offers a community-oriented setting ideal for mastering outpatient care.
• Dayton Children’s Hospital: Known for its pediatric neurology services and houses a Level 4 Epilepsy Center.
• VA Medical Center: Delivers specialized neurology clinics with a focus on veteran care, enriching the educational experience with a diverse patient population.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The residency program requires applicants to submit their materials through ERAS and fills positions via the Match. For International Medical Graduates, USMLE Steps 1, 2, and Clinical Skills scores are necessary, and candidates must be eligible for ECFMG certification. Additionally, incoming residents must complete a comprehensive health examination, including meeting the required vaccination standards3.

Research Opportunities

The program offers extensive opportunities in both clinical and translational research and engages in collaborations with NIH-funded scientists and other leading medical institutions. Residents are encouraged to participate in a dedicated research track that provides pathways to contributing to scholarly publications, national presentations, and obtaining scholarships. Engagement in scholarly activity is an integral part of the residency experience5.

Unique Program Features

The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Program is unique in its structured four-year curriculum that integrates progressive responsibility, a wide range of elective opportunities tailored to residents’ interests, and comprehensive coverage of both general and specialized neurological disciplines. This structured approach ensures a well-rounded educational experience1.

Fellowship Opportunities

The program offers advanced fellowship opportunities post-residency, allowing for specialization in the following areas:15

• Headache Medicine
• Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology
• Neurocritical Care
• Neurointerventional Surgery
• Vascular Neurology

These fellowships provide additional training for residents interested in furthering their expertise in these subspecialties.

Resident Wellness and Support

Recognizing the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being, the program is dedicated to resident wellness. This commitment includes structured rotations that minimize call burdens, particularly in the second postgraduate year. The program also supports residents in engaging with personal interests outside of residency to promote a holistic educational experience2.