Neurology : Overview & Schedule

PGY-2
During the first year of Neurology residency the focus is on the management of the inpatient service.  Residents spend 6 months caring for patients admitted for neurological problems, learning to perform a thorough history and neurological exam with an emphasis on localization, differential diagnosis, evaluation and treatment.  PGY-2 year also includes rotations in Neuro-rehabilitation, Neuro-radiology, EEG and 3 months in the outpatient clinic. 


PGY-3
The second year of neurology training allows the resident to assume greater responsibility in the emergency room, outpatient clinics and inpatient wards.  The resident acts as senior resident on the inpatient service for 2 months during the second half of the year. The resident may take a one month rotation in electromyography (EMG).  At this time, the resident learns nerve conduction and electromyography techniques and interpretation skills.  The residents also participate in the clinical evaluation and treatment of patients with neuromuscular disease.  There is a two month electroencephalography rotation during which the resident learns to perform and interpret electroencephalograms (EEG).  They receive training in evoked potentials and intensive monitoring techniques.  There is also a one month rotation in Sleep Medicine and a Neuropathology experience.  In addition to two months in the outpatient clinic, a month in Neurosurgery, and a month in Sleep, the residents may choose one elective rotation. 

PGY-4
In the final year, the Neurology resident receives progressively more responsibility in the capacity of senior resident.  The senior resident oversees inpatient care and teaching the residents and medical students.  A three month rotation in pediatric neurology allows the resident to gain new skills and knowledge in problems unique to this population as well as to review principles of EEG.  Senior residents spend 2 months in the general and subspecialty clinics, and have the opportunity to do electives in Nerve Conduction, Neurosurgery, or in Cerebrovascular Disease, being part of the acute stroke team which evaluates patients for thrombolytic therapy and investigative drug protocols.  Residents will receive training in cerebrovascular ultrasound including carotid duplex and transcranial Doppler.

Typical Schedule

PGY-2 Inpatient: 6 months Clinic: 3 months EEG: 1 month Neuro-radiology: 1 month Neuro-rehabilitation: 1 month

PGY-3 Inpatient: 3 months Clinic: 3 month EMG/Neuropathology 1 month EEG: 2 months Neurosurgery: 1 month Sleep 1 month Elective: 1 month

PGY-4 Inpatient: 3 months Clinic: 3 months Psychiatry: 1 month Pediatrics: 3 months Elective: 2 months