Description of Program

The New York Neurological Institute at Columbia University offers a one -year fellowship training program in Vascular Neurology. The training program includes the ACGME Vascular Neurology year, with an additional year for advanced vascular neurology outlined below.  A Master’s Degree in Epidemiology is available through the neuro-epidemiology training program, and additional training is possible through classes in the Mailman School of Public Health.

1. Demographics:

   1. Host Institution: New York Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center, 710 W 168^th St. New York, NY 10032
   2. Program Director: Joshua Z. Willey, MD, (address above), (212) 305-8389, fax (212) 305-3741, email jzw2@cumc.columbia.edu 
   3. Program Coordinator: Ashley Chang, (212) 305-8551, adc2193@cumc.columbia.edu
   4. Prospective fellowship applicants should contact the Coordinator for further information on applying through ERAS.  Applications for the academic year are accepted starting 12-18 months prior to July of intended start year.
   5. For information regarding the Neuro-Epidemiology track, please contact Dr. Joshua Z. Willey.

2. History:

   • The Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases within the Department of Neurology has offered Stroke Fellowship training for post-Neurology Residency since 1983 when the Division was founded by former Vascular Neurology Program Director, Dr. JP Mohr. Over 50 Fellowship trainees have completed the program, and now hold academic and clinical positions throughout the US and abroad. In 2004 we received accreditation as an ACGME Vascular Neurology Program. Thus the accredited 1-year training program has been incorporated into our 2-year overall Fellowship training.

3. Resources, Facilities, and Activities:

   • Fellows spend a substantial part of their ACGME in clinical training and performing clinical duties. The inpatient portion takes place at the Milstein Hospital, the main teaching hospital of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. The facilities include a dedicated neurology ward, a 46-bed Stroke Unit, a 12-bed Step-down Unit, an 18-bed Neuro-ICU, dedicated Neurology floor with Neurology nursing staff, and 24-hour housestaff support. Neuroradiology imaging as well as the ICAVL-certified Neurosonology lab support are available. Clinical responsibilities include but are not limited to: (1) daily teaching rounds with one of the Vascular Neurology faculty and the housestaff team on both inpatients on the stroke service and vascular neurology consults, (2) acute stroke page responsibilities, (3) overnight combined stroke and NICU calls, (4) outpatient care, (5) Telemedicine coverage. There is a separate and dedicated Neuro-ICU experience with direct fellow responsibilities in the NICU. The fellow is expected to participate in presentations and discussions of the pathophysiology, neuroradiological and hemodynamic characteristics of different neurovascular conditions, evidence-based acute and long-term treatment modalities and neuro-rehabilitation. Fellows are responsible for teaching residents and medical students while on the Inpatient service and to participate in quality improvement initiatives. Outpatient clinical training consists of continuity of care clinic under the direct supervision of faculty in private offices, and in the resident-staffed stroke clinic.  

In the optional second year of the Fellowship trainees will continue with clinical duties as described above, with additional supervision and teaching of residents and first-year Fellows. Second year Fellows are responsible for organizing additional didactic sessions including monthly journal club and scheduling of the weekly Stroke Conferences. In addition those doing 2 years of fellowship will be expected to pursue clinical research under the mentorship of faculty. All fellows will complete a scholarly project during their training.