Since the inception of the program under Philip Dodge and Arthur Prensky in 1967, the Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology has continued to build on this rich history to create a dynamic and exciting place to become a child neurologist. In many ways since those early days, the philosophy of the training here has changed very little. We still feel that an excellent pediatric neurologist must have a foundation in compassionate care of a wide variety of patients, a regular habit of inquiry, and a dedication to teaching patients and colleagues. What has changed over the 50 years of our program’s existence is the magnitude of our resources to accomplish that vision. Over that time we have grown to a faculty of 36 pediatric neurologists with close collaboration with pediatric neurosurgery, community pediatric neurologists, pediatric neuroradiology, intensive care (both the PICU and NICU) and many others.
Even with this large size, the residency program is considered the heart of the division. We have expanded our training program in recent years to accept 5 residents per year. The size of our faculty and our residency program as well as our relationships with other disciplines provides trainees with an amazing community of colleagues to support and enrich your training experience with many different perspectives and career models. Let us share with you how we have structured our program to reach our goals in resident education, clinical experience, research and resident life.
Highlights
- One of the oldest and largest pediatric residency programs in the US (founded in 1967)
- Ranked #5 for child neurology residencies in U.S. by Doximity physician survey
- Five-year categorical training program with five residents per year
- Six months of adult neurology training in PGY3 year with additional outpatient training integrated into the PGY3 and 5 years
- Pediatric neurology training is integrated into all five years of training with graduated responsibilities
- Mentorship program starting in the PGY1 year by pediatric neurology faculty in pathways chosen by the residents (clinician, clinician-educators, physician-scientists)
- Fellowship training is available in all pediatric neurology subspecialties (epilepsy, stroke/neurocritical care, neurogenetics, neuromuscular disorders, fetal and neonatal neurology, sleep, neuroimmunology, movement disorders, neuro-oncology, and other areas).
- Residents are trained and mentored by 38 pediatric neurology faculty with broad clinical expertise and research skills
- The program emphasizes a balanced approach to residency training with a focus on proficient clinical skills, research acumen, and career development.
- All years of training have dedicated nursing and administrative support teams to assist in outpatient management of their patients.
Training by year
PGY1 (pediatrics)
- One month of inpatient neurology on the dedicated neurology service
- Additional selective time on inpatient neurology consult services
- Time with attendings in outpatient pediatric neurology clinics
- Option to choose an outpatient pediatric neurology continuity clinic (Early Start Pathway) vs general pediatric continuity clinic track
PGY2 (pediatrics)
- One month as floor senior supervising interns on the pediatric neurology floor
- If the Child Neurology Early Start Pathway is chosen, ongoing involvement in the outpatient pediatric neurology continuity clinic
- More time available to spend with attendings in outpatient pediatric neurology clinics
- Up to 3.5 months of elective/selective time available to explore personal interests inside and out of neurology
PGY3
- Junior “fellow” on pediatric neurology floor and consult services (PICU, NICU, and floor/ED consult)
- Pediatric neurology continuity clinic
- 6 months of inpatient adult neurology (stroke, general, consults, hyperacute stroke team, NNICU)
- Adult and pediatric subspecialty clinics
- 2.5 months of electives (pediatric EEG, child psychiatry, neurodevelopment and others).
PGY4
- Floor “fellow” on pediatric inpatient neurology floor service
- Senior “fellow” on pediatric neurology consult services (PICU, NICU, and floor/ED consult)
- Pediatric neurology continuity clinic
- 2.5 months on pediatric neurology subspecialty clinics
- 2.5 months of pediatric neurology electives
PGY5
- 3 months of inpatient and consult pediatric neurology
- 9 months total for electives and clinics
Calls
All pediatric neurology calls are home calls, with additional post-call day off after, entirely free from clinical responsibilities.
- PGY3: 4-6 weeks of night float in adult neurology, beginning to implement a few pediatric neurology home calls in the 2nd half of the year.
- PGY4: Calls on average 7-9 days. Calls end at 7:00 a.m. the next day, with no post-call rounding or clinical responsibilities.
- PGY5: Calls on average once per month, primarily on Sundays.
Fellowship
A majority of graduating residents complete a fellowship after the conclusion of the PGY5 year, at our own institution, including ACGME fellowships (epilepsy, neuromuscle, sleep), as well as neurocritical care, neonatal neurology, movement disorders, neuroimmunology and neurogenetics.
Chief residents
Two administrative and one or two education/ wellness / QI chiefs.
Wellness and quality of life programs
- 2-3 lunches per week at noon conference
- Annual class career development retreats
- Neurology division and program sponsored social events
- PGY1 through PGY-5 buddy system
- Newly implemented holiday block system
- Discounted gym memberships
- On site profession and free psychologists
- Access to physician coaching programs
- Residents only town halls to gather resident feedback