Structured Learning
Grand Rounds session
In addition to a rich clinical experience, residents benefit from a well-structured educational curriculum designed to support learning throughout training. Inpatient teaching rounds are conducted daily with attending physicians, and our integrated didactic curriculum provides a comprehensive approach to neurology education across all years of residency.
Residents have protected educational time every Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Didactic sessions are held in the Lucy Library (Room 802) at the Jack T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute. The curriculum includes recurring lecture series in epilepsy, headache medicine, vascular neurology, neuromuscular medicine, movement disorders, neuroimmunology, neuro-oncology, and neuro-ophthalmology. Additional topics include neuroradiology, neuroanatomy and physiology, neuro-otology, neuropathology, neurocritical care, interventional pain management, neuropalliative medicine, and sleep medicine. Residents also participate in hands-on training sessions focused on botulinum toxin injections for spasticity and migraine management.
The educational program further includes Chairman’s Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Conferences, and Journal Clubs. Resident wellness activities are held at least quarterly to promote well-being, team building, and work-life balance. Examples of recent wellness events include painting sessions, healthy cooking classes, escape room challenges, and board game gatherings that foster camaraderie among residents outside of the clinical environment.
To prepare incoming residents for call responsibilities, Neurologic Emergency Conferences are held in July and August. During these months, junior residents participate in a buddy call system with senior residents, allowing for a gradual transition to independent call coverage.
Scholarly activity is strongly encouraged, and resident research is highlighted annually during the Sami Harik Resident Research Day. Residents also have opportunities to attend the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting and other national and regional professional conferences. These experiences allow residents to showcase their research, engage with leaders in the field, and remain current with advances in neurological care and education.