Fellow Perspectives

The clinical neurophysiology fellowship program offers incredible learning opportunities for both EMG and EEG. As a former neurology resident of the University of Rochester program, I can confidently state the faculty in the neurology department are welcoming, intelligent and have a passion for teaching. From the neuromuscular side, there are opportunities to learn from routine cases, in addition to complicated cases that you would only get to see at a referral center such as the University of Rochester. In addition to my training in EMG and nerve conduction studies, I was also trained in the usage of ultrasonography as an additional tool to help diagnose patients, which I plan to use in my practice. From an epilepsy perspective, you get a wide variety of routine and 24-hour ambulatory EEGs, ranging from neonatal studies to adults. Evoked potentials are also taught, and interoperative monitoring cases are available if you desire. Again, the spectrum of cases ranges from typical to rare, such that you will feel great with common findings, and still have gotten the opportunity to personally review uncommon cases. The faculty are willing to structure the program to your desires in the future, whether that be an academic career with teaching or research as a focus, or a more clinical focused path. The didactics are well structured, and there are regular conferences each week for you to attend or give.
Overall, the fellowship did a fantastic job at training me in performing and interpreting EMG/NCS and EEG. In addition to the training I received in reading these studies, I was also exposed to patient interactions that I was not fortunate enough to see during residency through clinical encounters. Having seen these patients, I now feel confident that in practice I will be prepared to identify or manage these cases. The residents that you work with will be great and are always eager to learn. The city of Rochester has many opportunities for outdoor recreational activity, dining and entertainment which should be taken advantage of. If you plan to stay, it has some of the best school districts in the state which is great for raising a family.