Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship Program Overview
Description: The ACGME-accredited UCSD Neuromuscular Medicine Program is a one-year clinical fellowship providing excellent training in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. Currently there is one fellowship position per year.
Training Sites:
- University of California San Diego--Jacobs Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital
- Rady Children's Hospital
- VA San Diego Healthcare Systems
Clinical Training:
The muscle/nerve disease clinics (child and adult MDA clinics) and ALS clinics at UCSD use an interdisciplinary approach involving neurology, pulmonology, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, genetics, social work, nursing and support staff from MDA and ALSA. Fellows are trained in the nuisances of neuromuscular care for children and adults with equal emphasis in both as the medications and standards of care aspects often disseminate across age groups. Fellows become adept in neuropathology, genetics, immunology, muscle and nerve biopsies, genetic therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation, electrodiagnostic studies, genetic testing techniques, and billing. The fellow also receives additional training in autonomics, ultrasound, and polysomnography. We have robust inpatient pediatric and adult neuromuscular consultation and EMG services. Fellows take primary responsibility for the care and management of neuromuscular patients and will work in conjunction with the Neurophysiology EMG track fellow. We have designed the fellowship to provide all the skills necessary to ensure career success in either an academic or private practice setting.
This ACGME-approved fellowship prepares fellows to obtain ABPN board certification in Neuromuscular Medicine and ABEM board certification in EMG.
Conferences:
Fellows will also attend and present at 2 conferences per year:
1. Carrell-Krusen Neuromuscular Symposium in Dallas, Texas
2. University of California, Irvine Neuromuscular Colloquium in Newport Beach, California
Research:
Fellows are expected to complete a clinical or QI project by the time they complete their training (1 year). These projects typically are presented during the above mentioned conference venues. Fellows are encouraged to pursue additional neuromuscular research based on their interests with the aim of publication or presentation. There are also opportunities to participate in clinical trials. An additional year of training in ALS translational research is available at UCSD and further information is available at
ALS Fellowship.
Didactics:
Rigorous and dynamic didactics occur one half day per week. During these sessions, attendings from various subspecialties and the fellows will participate in presenting lectures to the group.
Weekly didactic session topics include:
1. EMG/NCS and/or muscle ultrasound topic and analysis review
2. Neuromuscular topics
3. Interesting case conference
4. Nerve and muscle pathology reading review
Monthly conference sessions include:
1. Neuromuscular Journal Club
2. Neuropathology slide review
Training Faculty:
Carolyn Vergara - Fellowship Program Coordinator
Applications:
Applicants must have:
1. Completed a U.S. Residency in Neurology or Pediatric Neurology
2. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or J-1 Visa Status
Applicants who are accepted to the fellowship are also required to obtain a California Medical License prior to start of fellowship.
Applications for the Neuromuscular Fellowship are considered on a rolling basis.
Applications are being accepted for the
2020-2021 training program. Early application is encouraged.
Necessary Materials:
1. Personal statement
2. Current CV
3. Three Letter of Recommendation
Email applications to both:
AND