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Department of Neurology

 
NEUROLOGY FELLOWSHIP TRAINING
 

The Department of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University offers clinical Fellowship training in several disciplines, including stroke and neurointensive care, clinical neurophysiology (both neuromuscular/EMG and epilepsy/EEG. Most of the training is provided at University Hopsitals - Case Medical Center, but there is close cooperation with faculty at the Veterans Administration Hospitals as well.

Neuromuscular Medicine

Complex repetitive discharge on needle EMGThe Neuromuscular Center offers post-residency Fellowship training in Neuromuscular Medicine. The ACGME-approved fellowship consists of one year of training in clinical neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnosis and muscle/nerve pathology. The fellows are actively involved in the care of both outpatient and inpatient neuromuscular patients. The fellow will participate in the General Neuromuscular Clinic, the Muscle Disease Center Clinic (a Multidisciplinary Clinic of adults and children with muscular dystrophies and other neuromuscular diseases), and the Myasthenia Gravis Center, a center for patients with neuromuscular junction disorders. All fellows will be trained in performance and interpretation of electrodiagnostic testing. There is a large EMG laboratory system with the main hospital and four satellite locations with a total of eight examining rooms.  Experience in the autonomic laboratory is available and optional. Training in the interpretation of nerve and muscles biopsy is done in conjunction with the Department of Neuropathology.

Frequent didactic lectures will be given. The fellows are encouraged to be involved in a clinical research study. Detailed conferences in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine are held weekly. Neuromuscular medicine faculty includes: Bashar Katirji (Director), David Preston (co-Director), Amer Al-Shekhlee, Mark Cohen,Thomas Chelimsky, Gerald Grossman, Daniel Miller, Barbara Shapiro, Daniel Koontz and Marek Buczek. The Fellowship is designed to provide sufficient experience to satisfy the requirements of: 1) Added Qualification in Neuromuscular Medicine of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; and 2) American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. The Fellowship is ACGME approved. One to two positions are offered each year.

Individuals interested in the Fellowship should apply to  Dr. Bashar Katirji between July and October of the preceding year. Decisions will be made by December of the preceding year by contacting the residency and fellowship coordinator, Mrs. Kristin Stacy (Kristen.stacy@uhhospitals.org).The Fellowship ordinarily runs according to academic years, July 1 through June 30. Click here to download an application
 

Clinical Neurophysiology (Epilepsy/EEG)

The University Hospitals Epilepsy Center, directed by Dr. Hans Lüders, is a collaborative team of both pediatric and adult epileptologists employing state-of-the-art technology to treat epilepsy. The mission of the UH epilepsy fellowship program is the training of academic epileptologists.

The fellowship program will give the trainees a solid education in basic clinical neurophysiology, in comprehensive medical management of patients with epilepsy, in selection and evaluation of patients who are candidates for epilepsy surgery, and in basic and/or clinical research tools used in epileptology.

The Fellowship Program, directed by Dr. Monisha Goyal, is offering 5 one-year ACGME-accredited Epilepsy Fellowships for 2008-2009. Click here to download an application.

The fellowship is designed to lead to board certification in "Subspecialty Exam in Clinical Neurophysiology” through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and "Clinical Neurophysiology with Added Competency in Epilepsy Monitoring or Intra-operative Monitoring" through the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology (ABCN). Training at both Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and University Hospitals Case Medical Center ensures a broad exposure to both pediatric and adult epilepsy.

The year begins with an intensive 2 month didactic lecture series. During the subsequent 10 months, fellows gain experience in all aspects of clinical neurophysiology, including routine and video-EEG monitoring, epilepsy surgery evaluations and intra-operative monitoring, evoked potentials and sleep.


Vascular Neurology

University Hospitals Case Medical Center is developing a comprehensive one-year fellowship in Vascular Neurology. Michael DeGeorgia, M.D. is the Program Director. This one-year program is designed to lead to one of three career pathways: 1) General Vascular Neurology- the program meets all ACGME requirements for board eligibility in Vascular Neurology; 2) Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology (“Interventional Neurology”)- One year of Vascular Neurology in an ACGME approved residency is a prerequisite for neurologists wishing to enter an Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology residency; 3) Stroke Clinical Trials and Epidemiology.

Vascular Neurology residents have an opportunity to obtain a Masters Degree in Epidemiology and Clinical Trial Design in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University. The Vascular Neurology fellowship will provide comprehensive training in the inpatient and outpatient management of cerebrovascular disorders under the supervision of an internationally recognized faculty. Training in transcranial Doppler and carotid ultrasound, stroke neuroimaging, neurointerventional procedures and neurocritical care are notable strengths of the program. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for clinical research focusing on acute stroke reperfusion therapy, interventional stroke therapy, stroke prevention, epidemiology, and outcomes. Board certified or eligible neurologists may apply.


NeuroCritical Care

University Hospitals Case Medical Center offers a comprehensive two-year Neurocritical Care Fellowship that provides training in neurocritical care, medical and surgical intensive care. Michael DeGeorgia, M.D. is the Program Director. Completion of the Neurocritical Care fellowship results in eligibility for certification through the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties. The Reinberger Neurocritical Care Unit (NccU) team manages a broad spectrum of patients including those with ischemic stroke, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage, neuromuscular disorders, head trauma, seizure disorders and perioperative neurosurgical patients. There is an active clinical research program including hypothermia and multi-modal monitoring monitoring and fellow participation in clinical research is actively encouraged. Daily rounds in our dedicated NCCU are an integral part of the educational experience. Fellows also gain in-depth experience in endotracheal intubation, central venous and pulmonary artery catheter placement, intracranial pressure and brain tissue metabolism monitor placement as well as experience in the management of mechanical ventilation and the use of transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The Neurocritical Care Program works closely with the Vascular Neurology Program. Board certified or eligible neurologists may apply.


Neuro-Ophthalmology

Photograph of the optic fundus
Fellowship training in Neuro-ophthalmology at University Hopsitals - Case Medical Center has a long history of clinical, clinical research, and basic research excellence. Clinical training is provided primarily by Dr. Robert Tomsak.

Fellows may elect to participate in the basic and clinical research of Dr. R. John Leigh, Dr. John Stahl and Dr. Louis Dell'Osso.

Training is tailored to the skills and interests of the Fellow, and may take one or two years. Applications should be made to Dr. Tomsak by October of the preceding year, and decisions are made in December.