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Graduate Medical Education (GME): Vascular Neurology

Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education

Fellowship Program Director: John Lynch, DO, MPH

Overview

The goal of the vascular neurology fellowship program is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares fellows to become a competent and compassionate academic vascular neurologist. The program offers a one-year ACGME accredited fellowship with additional years of research-focused training for fellows interested in an academic or research career.

Program Structure

The program structure of the vascular neurology fellowship encompasses a broad-based clinical experience, advanced neuroimaging training, a robust series of lectures and seminars, research and scholarly activities, dedicated career counseling and mentoring, and optional years of research training.

Broad Based Clinical Experience

The clinical rotations of the fellowship program include Suburban Hospital (Thrombectomy capable stroke center), MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Comprehensive Stroke Center), National Rehabilitation Hospital, and the NIH Clinical Center (Research Hospital). These rotations offer a wide range of clinical settings (academic and community), patient populations, and cerebrovascular disorders.

Advanced Neuroimaging Training

Fellows receive specialized training in neuroimaging techniques relevant to vascular neurology, including multimodal MRI, CT, angiography, and neuro-sonography (TCD).

Didactic Curriculum

A structured series of lectures, neuroimaging rounds, case conferences, and journal clubs are organized to cover essential topics in vascular neurology. These sessions provide trainees with foundational knowledge in stroke pathophysiology, neuroimaging interpretation, acute stroke management, neurovascular anatomy, and related areas.

Research Opportunities

Fellows participate in the recruitment, enrollment, clinical assessments, and follow-up of patients in NIH funded clinical studies. Fellows play an integral role in advancing clinical research within vascular neurology and developing future treatment strategies for stroke.

Scholarly Activities

Fellows are encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences and to contribute to scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals. Fellows are also required to complete a quality improvement project to enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of clinical care for stroke patients.

Career Counseling and Mentoring

Guidance on career development and advancement is offered to fellows through the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education and the vascular neurology program faculty.

Optional Research Training

The vascular neurology program offers fellows the option to extend their training beyond the standard one-year duration to pursue a more intensive research-focused track.

Additional Information

Application Information

The program participates through the NRMP Vascular Neurology Match process. Applications will be accepted and reviewed via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) System. MD or DO degree and successful completion of an ACGME-accredited neurology residency program, or an AOA-approved residency program, or a program with ACGME International (ACGME-I) Advanced Specialty Accreditation, or a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)-accredited or College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)-accredited residency program located in CanadaIf you currently hold a J-1, H-1B, or other visa, please contact the Program Coordinator directly to discuss the sponsorship process. Vascular Neurology is a December Application Cycle specialty. Please check the ERAS website for specific details on the fellowship application details.