CURRICULUM
Overview
Our program offers a comprehensive and multifaceted experience designed to develop well-rounded neurology experts. The first year focuses predominantly on adult neurology, but it includes two months dedicated to inpatient pediatric neurology. In the following two years, the emphasis shifts primarily to pediatric neurology.
Each rotation in our program presents unique challenges and hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring you develop comprehensive expertise in all areas of neurology by the end of your training. We are dedicated to providing a rigorous, well-rounded education that prepares you to excel in your career and advance the field of child neurology.
Our elective opportunities allow you to gain additional clinical experience in pediatric neurology specialties that match your interests. You will have the flexibility to design your elective months in areas such as Genetics, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation, and neurology subspecialties. With prior approval from the program director, recent trainees have also developed electives in basic science research, ethics, medical education, and global, rural, and underserved health.
In addition to clinical rotations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, you will engage in mentored research projects throughout all three years and take on increasing responsibilities in leading and organizing lectures and conferences.
Introduction to Child Neurology
Overview:
The first year of child neurology residency is primarily focused on adult neurology, with a goal of learning to manage acute neurological problems, mastering the neurological exam, applying neurological localization concepts, and developing a formal approach to neurological differential diagnosis. This foundational year is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience and a broad clinical education.
Clinical Rotations:
Adult Neurology:
- 2 Blocks Rotations of Inpatient Wards at University Hospitals and Clinics.
- 2 Block Rotations of Inpatient Wards and Consults at the Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
- 1 Block Rotation of Neuro-Ophthalmology
- 1 Block Rotation of Outpatient Clinics in Neuromuscular
- 1 Block Rotation of Outpatient Clinics in EEG & Epilepsy
Child Neurology:
- 2 Blocks Rotations of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital
- 1 Block Rotation of Neuroradiology at Primary Children's Hospital
- 1 Block Rotation of Outpatient Clinics in Pediatric Neurology.
Electives:
- 2 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspeciality areas of the resident's choosing.
Educational Activities:
- Case Presentations: Residents prepare and present cases for grand rounds and conferences, enhancing their diagnostic and presentation skills.
- M&M Conferences: Residents present and discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality to identify opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes.
- Journal Club: Residents prepare and lead discussions, fostering critical appraisal of current literature.
- CPC Case: Residents present actual cases to illustrate the processes involved in clinical evaluation, including history taking, ancillary testing, differential diagnosis, establishing a definitive diagnosis, and treatment.
- WINO Paper: Residents write and submit a scientific research paper to the WINO Selection Committee.
Mastering Your Skills
Overview:
The second year of child neurology residency is dedicated to mastering the neurological exam and developing an efficient approach to evaluating and treating neurological disorders in children. This year also includes exposure to subspecialty areas of neurology and electrophysiology. By the end of the second year, residents will have mastered the neurological exam, developed an efficient approach to pediatric neurological care, and gained substantial experience in subspecialty areas and electrophysiology. They will be well-prepared for the increased responsibilities of their final year and for their future careers in Pediatric Neurology.
Clinical Rotations:
Adult Neurology:
- 2 Block Rotations of Consults at University Hospitals and Clinics
- 2 Block Rotations of Neuro Outpatient Clinics
Child Neurology:
- 5 Block Rotations of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital.
- 1 Block Rotation of Child Psychiatry
- 1 Block Rotation of EEG & Epilepsy
Elective:
- 2 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspecialty areas of the resident's choosing.
Educational Activities:
- Case Presentations: Residents prepare and present cases for grand rounds and conferences, enhancing their diagnostic and presentation skills.
- M&M Conferences: Residents present and discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality to identify opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes.
- Noon Conference: Residents present and discuss specific topics in neurology subspecialty areas.
- Journal Club: Residents prepare and lead discussions, fostering critical appraisal of current literature.
- CPC Case: Residents present actual cases to illustrate the processes involved in clinical evaluation, including history taking, ancillary testing, differential diagnosis, establishing a definitive diagnosis, and treatment.
- WINO Paper: Residents write and submit a scientific research paper to the WINO Selection Committee.
Becoming a Child Neurologist
Overview:
The final year of pediatric neurology residency is designed to synthesize and refine clinical skills, preparing residents for independent practice. This year emphasizes increased responsibility, autonomy, leadership, and comprehensive care in pediatric neurology. By the conclusion of the third year, residents are well-prepared to transition to independent practice, equipped with advanced clinical skills, leadership experience, and a strong foundation in pediatric neurology.
Clinical Rotations:
Adult Neurology
- 1 Block Rotation of Neuropathology
Child Neurology:
- 4 Block Rotations of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital.
- 2 Block Rotations of EEG & Epilepsy
- 1 Block Rotation of PM&R
- 1 Block Rotation of Genetics
Electives:
- 4 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspecialty areas of the resident's choosing
Educational Activities:
- Case Presentations: Residents prepare and present cases for grand rounds and conferences, enhancing their diagnostic and presentation skills.
- M&M Conferences: Residents present and discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality, identifying opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes.
- Noon Conference: Residents present and discuss specific topics in neurology subspecialty areas.
- Journal Club: Residents prepare and lead discussions, fostering critical appraisal of current literature.
- CPC Case: Residents present actual cases to illustrate the clinical evaluation process, including history taking, ancillary testing, differential diagnosis, establishing a definitive diagnosis, and treatment.
- WINO Paper: Residents write and submit a scientific research paper to the WINO Selection Committee.
- Senior Talk: Senior residents present on what they learned during their residency.
Examinations and Certification:
- NEX Examinations: By the end of the third year, residents are expected to have successfully completed the five required Neurology Examination (NEX) assessments.
- Board Preparation: Residents begin preparation for the specialty board examination of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, solidifying their readiness for certification.
