Program overview
Curriculum
During your time with pediatric neurology, block schedules will include Adult Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Adult Neurology Inpatient Rotation, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Psychology and Elective Rotations. These electives include, but are not limited to, Neurophysiology (EEG), Neuroradiology, Neurophysiology (EMG), Neuropathology, Neuroimmunology, Neurosurgery, Headache, Movement Disorder, Stroke, Neurodevelopment, Sleep and Genetics.
Summary schedule/sample block schedule:
PGY3
Adult Neurology Outpatient: 3 blocks
Adult Neurology Elective: 2 blocks
Adult Service Inpatient: 6
Pediatric Neurology: 1 block
PGY4
Adult Neurology Elective: 2 blocks
Pediatric Neurology: 7 blocks
Pediatric Psychology: 1 block
Elective: 2 blocks
PGY 5
Pediatric Neurology: 6 blocks
Elective: 6 blocks
Didactics
We believe in a hands-on learning approach. These sessions offer a comprehensive and in-depth look at a variety of topics in clinical medicine. Cases are presented in a variety of formats tailored to your individual learning style.
Some of the topics to be covered include: indications for neurodiagnostic tests and their interpretation, basic principles of psychopathology, common psychiatric diagnosis and therapies, and the indications for and common complications of psychiatry drugs. Also included are basic sciences on which clinical child neurology is founded. As a resident, you learn through application of this knowledge in the care of your patients and by passing clinical skills examinations in areas including epidemiology and statistics, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, neural and behavioral development, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroimaging, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology and neuropsychology.
Morning Report
When it comes to medicine, experience is often the best teacher. During this case-based discussion, our upper-level residents discuss interesting clinical cases.
Intake Rounds
Our inpatient residents and staff spend an hour reviewing all admissions to the children’s hospital over the past 24 hours. This interactive conference allows for discussion, consultation and external review.
Educational opportunities
In addition to the above educational activities, residents will also take part in:
- Neurology Grand Rounds
- Topics in Pediatric Neurosciences (regularly scheduled series)
- Pediatric Epilepsy Conference
- Journal Club
- Phakomatosis conference
- MDC Brain Tumor Meeting
- Neurophysiology Conference
- Neurology Morbidity and Mortality Conference
- Research Grand Rounds
- Neuroimmunology MDC Conference
Foundations of Neuroscience (Bootcamp)
The goal of the Foundations of Neuroscience course is to develop a detailed knowledge of neuroscience, neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology for neurology and neurosurgery residents. Extensive and detailed correlation with clinical syndromes and neuroimaging is stressed. This is a three-week course attended by our PGY3 and PGY5 residents.
Personal/Professional Development
Wellness
Your wellness counts as much as your patients’ wellness. In this supportive environment, you’ll find the resources you need to thrive and grow.
Advocacy/community outreach
As a graduate of our program, you have the responsibility to advocate for your patients on a larger platform. That’s why outreach and advocacy are integrated into our daily practice through:
- Updates on hot topics
- Volunteer and awareness opportunities
- Community service
- Promotion of engagement outside the hospital
We partner with the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for Legislative and Advocacy Days.
It’s a good idea to get involved in national and international conferences. Through projects, many of our residents have impacted local child health and well-being, adolescent mental health and child abuse.
Mentorship
A child neurology residency is the first step in honing your passions in medicine. Mentors are here to help you meet your goals. Your mentor can help you navigate things like:
- Work-life balance
- Family/life planning
- Stress management
- Board preparation
Interprofessional communication
To provide excellent care for your patients, you need an exceptional team around you. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with a variety of staff, including:
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- IV team
- Respiratory therapy
- Child Life
- Lactation
- Care management
- Insurance liaisons
- Home health
- Community partners
Our program allows you to explore various care team roles, such as:
- Nurse/resident shadowing experience
- Multidisciplinary QI projects
- Participation in the Family Advisory Board
- Nurse/physician workgroups
Medical education
As a resident, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a career as a medical educator, if that’s where your interests lie. During your residency, you’ll develop the skills you need to teach at different levels, set expectations and lead teams.