Program Overview
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Neurology offers an ACGME-accredited, categorical four-year Adult Neurology Residency Program designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical neurology, leadership, scholarship, and professional development. The program accepts six residents annually through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and provides progressive responsibility and autonomy throughout training.
Admission to the program is based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic performance, letters of recommendation, personal attributes, and interview performance. Interviews are conducted by invitation only and are required for consideration for residency positions. Interview season typically occurs between October and January preceding the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match.
PGY-1
The PGY-1 year is integrated within the Adult Neurology Residency Program and provides a strong foundation in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. The year is structured similarly to a traditional internal medicine internship, with residents completing six months of internal medicine, one month of emergency medicine, and one month of psychiatry.
In addition, PGY-1 residents spend four months on neurology rotations, allowing for early exposure to neurologic patient care and the development of core clinical neurology skills. All training during the PGY-1 year takes place at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), providing experience in both academic and Veterans Affairs healthcare settings.
PGY-2
PGY-2 residents spend most of the year caring for patients in both hospital and clinic settings. Rotations include the UAMS and CAVHS inpatient neurology services, outpatient neurology clinics, stroke service, and neurocritical care service. Residents also complete one to two months of night float coverage. Elective opportunities may be available in areas such as epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, headache medicine, neuroradiology, behavioral neurology, and neuro-oncology.
PGY-3
The third year of adult neurology residency (PGY-3) emphasizes consultative neurology and elective training. Residents spend the majority of the year on the adult neurology consult services at UAMS and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), along with one month rotating at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). These experiences provide broad exposure to neurologic conditions across diverse patient populations and practice settings.
PGY-4
During the final year of adult neurology residency (PGY-4), residents assume greater leadership responsibilities and further refine their clinical expertise. Residents serve as the senior resident on the UAMS inpatient neurology service for approximately three to four months, providing supervision and mentorship to junior residents while overseeing patient care.
An additional three to four months are dedicated to outpatient neurology clinics at both UAMS and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), allowing residents to develop increasing independence in the longitudinal management of neurological disorders. Residents also complete two months at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), including one month in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic and one month on the Pediatric Neurology Inpatient Service, broadening their exposure to neurologic conditions across the lifespan.
The remaining months are reserved for elective rotations, which can be tailored to support each resident’s individual interests, career goals, and fellowship plans. Opportunities for clinical or basic science research are encouraged throughout the year. Upon successful completion of the residency program, graduates are eligible to sit for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
Mission and Aims
Program Mission Statement
Our mission is to train physicians to be master clinicians – individuals who can apply up to date knowledge in the field and compassionately diagnose and treat neurological disorders. The UAMS neurology residency program provides patient-centered, comprehensive, state-of-art care for the state of Arkansas and nearby regions. We strive to continue to be a pioneer for the education of medical students and residents thereby serving the needs of Arkansans and our institution.
Program Aims
- To provide a strong foundation for competence in general neurology and its sub-specialties, preparing graduating residents for independent practice or fellowship training.
- Promote the intellect of clinical research, quality improvement, and patient safety projects
- Foster an open and collaborative learning environment and facilitate life-long learning habits
- Promote cultural competence and a holistic approach towards care delivery