Welcome to BIDMC Neurology

BIDMC – Neurology Fellowship: Adult EEG/Epilepsy

The Adult EEG/Epilepsy Track of the Clinical Neurophysiology fellowship program offers focused training in various aspects of advanced clinical epileptology and electroencephalography. This is achieved through the following major rotations at BIDMC: the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, continuous EEG monitoring in the ICU and epilepsy inpatient consultations, outpatient epilepsy clinic, and elective rotations (20%) in one of the following subspecialties: clinical neuromuscular disease with EMG/NCS, sleep, autonomic neurophysiology, and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Some electives may be taken at Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Formal weekly teaching sessions at BIDMC include clinical neurophysiology didactic lectures, epilepsy didactic lectures, multidisciplinary surgical case conference, journal club, and EEG case review.

Epilepsy Fellowship

This Epilepsy fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital offers advanced clinical epilepsy training in both an inpatient and outpatient setting at these two premier institutions. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship provides a broad exposure and strong foundation for adult and pediatric neurologists. This is achieved through major rotations at BIDMC including the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, epilepsy inpatient consultations, and outpatient epilepsy clinic, as well as through rigorous experiences in EEG interpretation. Successful completion of the ACGME-accredited year will quality graduates to take the Epilepsy board certification exam from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Adult Epilepsy fellows will be based primarily at BIDMC, with elective clinical epilepsy rotations at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Comprehensive Epilepsy Program

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston has been one of the preeminent clinical centers in the United States for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with seizures ever since it was established about 40 years ago. BIDMC has been designated a Level 4 center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, signifying the highest level of care available in the field.

BIDMC is at the forefront of the latest technological advances for seizure patients. As a leader in the treatment of seizure disorders and related diagnoses, the BIDMC Epilepsy Program includes multiple centers and clinics for more specialized care including: a First Seizure Clinic, a Women’s Health and Epilepsy program, and the most advanced therapeutic options for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

We are also the home of the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, a world leader in the development of brain modulation techniques that do not require surgery. We are one of the pioneers in the cutting-edge field of critical care EEG and offer the ability to perform continuous monitoring of brain function in patients who need intensive care.

Team

BIDMC’s Epilepsy Program staff includes board-certified epileptologists, neurosurgical specialists in epilepsy-related surgical procedures, clinical neuropsychologists, neuropsychiatrists, social workers, and clinical epilepsy nurses. Staff members also collaborate with BIDMC’s Cognitive Neurology Division, Neuroendocrinology, Neuroradiology, and Obstetric/Gynecology and specialists in Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Epilepsy Research

Research has always been central to the experience of the adult epilepsy/EEG fellows at BIDMC. The history of the program is grounded in a number of “firsts” in the field of epilepsy, particularly in neuroimaging, antiepileptic drug trials, and EEG technology. Currently our research portfolio comprises several broad areas: 1) basic and translational science, aimed at understanding the underlying causes of epilepsy; 2) clinical research, including both investigator-initiated projects and drug and device trials; 3) technology and innovation, particularly in high-density EEG and noninvasive brain stimulation methods; 4) computational research, using large datasets to investigate the natural history of epilepsy and the results of randomized controlled trials; and 5) outcomes and quality research, exemplified by our leadership in national consortia and networks. Adult epilepsy/EEG fellows are introduced to the wide variety of possible research projects available for them when they begin their fellowship, and are linked to research mentors at BIDMC or neighboring institutions depending on their interests.

Opportunities for Teaching

BIDMC takes pride in providing prominent teaching opportunities for those fellows interested in education, involving medical students at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and neurology residents in the BIDMC-Children’s residency program. Formal training in teaching is also offered through the academies of educators at HMS and BIDMC, the Harvard-Macy Institute, additional fellowship programs in medical education, and formal master’s degree programs, for those interested in a career in education.

Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Fellowship Application Information

All interested individuals must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency training program in either pediatric or adult neurology or a program in one of these specialties that is located in Canada and accredited by the RCPSC. Selected fellows will spend 1-2 years developing subspecialty expertise in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy.

Application Process

We participate in the Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Match, conducted through the National Residency Matching Program® (NRMP®) and the application process will be managed through the Electronic Residency Application System® (ERAS®). The match is officially sponsored by the American Epilepsy Society (AES) with support of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS).

Interested candidates should submit all documentation through the ERAS, which includes:

  • Fellowship application
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement (One page essay describing your interests in epilepsy/clinical neurophysiology, experiences and career goals)
  • Three letters of reference (including a letter from Residency Program Director)
  • Certified copy of valid ECFMG Certificate (international medical graduates only)
  • Copies of USMLE scores (international medical graduates only)
  • Digital professional photo of yourself

Timeline

June each year Applicants can request MyERAS tokens from the ERAS Fellowships Documents Office (EFDO) and may begin their applications
May each year Match lists announced

Contact Information

Trudy Pang, MD, MMSc
Director, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship and Adult Epilepsy Fellowship Programs
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-632-8930
Fax: 617-632-8931
Email: tpang@bidmc.harvard.edu