Objectives & Competencies

The fellowship training provides broad educational experience in neurologic surgery of the spine which will complement that training in the neurosurgery residency to promote further acquisition of knowledge and skills in the subspecialty.

• Explore proper skills in history taking and diagnostic work-up as well as proper patient selection for surgical repair or non-operative management.
• Develop a working knowledge and skill in proper performance and interpretation of diagnostic tests. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the following imaging modalities incorporated into spine procedures: plain radiographs, CT, MRI, Myelography, xrays, and Nuclear Medicine.
• Demonstrate proficiency in understanding the pathological process of neurological disease, with particular emphasis on the spine and effect on the nervous system.
• Maintain accurate prospective case log of operative cases throughout the fellowship, which documents all operative cases and level of responsibility in the case (assistant versus primary).
• Achieve expert-level skills in microsurgery, stereotactic navigation, neuroendoscopy, radiosurgery or the placement of various medical devices into the nervous system and spine.
• Learn the work-up, diagnostic plans, methods of treatment, and approaches to advance the treatment of neurological disorders.
• Conduct teaching of current surgical and non-surgical interventions for neurological diseases. Conduct grand rounds in innovation with resident staff and new technology review meetings.
• Participate in inpatient and outpatient management of patients on the neurosurgery service.
• Assist in operations as requested.
• Participate in neurosurgery tumor boards, presenting well-organized case presentations when requested.
• Participate in and contribute to on-going research projects. Write an original research manuscript and submit to a peer-reviewed professional journal. Participate in writing book chapters as requested.
• Attendance at Hill Foundation Board meetings, with presentations as requested.
• Demonstrate competency in core areas: patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal & communication skills, professionalism including ethics, practice-based learning and systems based practice.