Neurosurgery Residency

PG Year 1: During the first year of Neurological Surgery residency, our PGY1 residents spend 6 blocks in neurosurgery, 3 blocks in neurocritical care, and 3 blocks in basic clinical neurosciences (neuroanesthesia, neuroradiology, surgical and pediatric neurological critical care, and neurology) and 1 block in neuropathology including a rotation at The University of Virginia. These experiences prepare our residents through broad exposure to neurosurgery and its many facets, preparing them for the next phase of training.

PG Year 2: PGY2 residents focusing on mastering the art of inpatient care of the neurosurgical patient. This is accomplished through supervised daily management of critically ill and consult patients as well as elective, postoperative patients. PGY2 residents will also become proficient in common neurosurgical bedside procedures such as external ventricular drains, lumbar punctures, lumbar drains, shunt taps, and reprogramming. We additionally emphasize early exposure to the operative environment, with residents typically completing approximately 200 cases by the end of the PGY2 year. 

PG Year 3: PGY3 residents focus on improving operative skills through daily integration into the operative environment. Residents spend 3 blocks focusing on neurological oncology, 3 blocks in vascular and interventional neurosurgery, 4 blocks in spinal and peripheral nerve, and 3 blocks in functional pediatric neurosurgery sub-specialties at the Junior resident level.

PG Year 4: PGY4 residents spend 13 blocks in a dedicated research year while taking call shifts in the hospital to continue gaining patient management and operative experience. Research is designed specific to the resident’s interests and future goals, and can vary from independent, funded research with the resident as Principal Investigator to collaborative translational or clinical foci. Importantly, the resident’s developing subspecialty interest as well as an individual plan for fellowship, as well as future practice goals will help guide the design of this year.

PG Year 5: PGY5 residents focus on continued improvement of operative skills through daily integration into the operative environment. Residents spend 3 blocks focusing on neurological oncology, 3 blocks in vascular and interventional neurosurgery, 4 blocks in spinal and peripheral nerve, and 3 blocks in functional pediatric neurosurgery sub-specialties at the Senior resident level.

PG Year 6: PGY6 residents spend 13 blocks as in-hospital Junior Chief Resident, including Chief-level operative and leadership roles as well as backup call for junior residents.

PG Year 7: PGY7 residents spend their final 13 blocks of residency as Senior Chief Resident, which includes academic and professional development focusing on operative skills, administrative roles, and finalizing plans and applications for subspecialty fellowship and/or attending practice. We focus on professional development to prepare the resident to successfully and independently practice the art and science of Neurosurgery.