How To Choose an Adult Neurology Residency

Choosing the right residency for you is one of the most important decisions you will make. We recommend seeking a program that offers you choice, support, academic rigor and a comprehensive experience that can prepare you for multiple opportunities in a constantly evolving specialty.

Top Characteristics of Superior Neurology Residencies

Patient-centered teamwork

You should expect to be a key member of a care team, guided by expert faculty members and experienced residents who give you personalized support as well as formal training. You should contribute according to your ability, taking on more responsibility for both patient care and teaching as you gain competence and advance through the program.

You should expect to frequently interact with attending neurologists and engage in instructive dialogue about state-of-the-art patient care and diagnoses.

Comprehensive learning experience

The best programs enhance your clinical skills with a solid understanding of the science underlying neurological care and diagnostic processes. You should build a strong knowledge base in neuropathology, clinical neurophysiology (including applications to nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography) and MRI/CT physics, among other essential topics.

Successful alumni outcomes

Look for strong evidence of alumni success. Do residents in the program go on to practice, teach and further train in diverse subspecialties and geographic areas? Is their research published in reputable professional journals?

Opportunities to contribute new knowledge

A well-rounded residency incorporates opportunities to contribute new knowledge to the field and advance your career potential by working with accomplished neurological researchers. Look for programs that guide you through your own structured research project and give you the time and support to deliver a high-quality project worthy of publication.

Exposure to diverse career paths

Your residency should engage you in a comprehensive practice of neurology to help you determine your own career path.

You should work with diverse patients in a variety of hospitals, outpatient settings and multidisciplinary specialty clinics.

You should also gain exposure to many neurological specialty areas, including neuroimaging, stroke, child neurology and neuromuscular disease, and be able to obtain more in-depth experience through a variety of interesting electives.

Situated in a livable city

It’s important you feel at home both in and outside of your training program. Avoid applying for residencies in cities that fail to meet your living needs. Our residency takes place in a locale that boasts: