Message from the Program Director

Because I’d completed my neurology residency here, I knew that UB’s fellowship would afford me the flexibility I needed to pursue my subspecialty interest in epilepsy.

Already familiar with our regional epilepsy center and its attending physicians, I knew that I would not only be allowed, but encouraged, to observe any epilepsy surgery I desired — even if it took place while I was on an unrelated rotation.

This individualized approach to my training bolstered my confidence and competence immeasurably.

Today, as program director of UB’s clinical neurophysiology fellowship, I’m committed to doing the same for you.

Let me stress that our flexible curriculum is just one of this fellowship’s many assets.

Unlike some programs, we are equally strong in the areas of electroencephalography and epilepsy as we are in electromyography and neuromuscular diseases. Whichever direction you see your career taking, our expert physicians will get you there with highly skilled, thoughtful mentorship that attends to your needs.

Our faculty ranks include two adult epileptologists and three pediatric epileptologists who will train you in EEG studies, epilepsy management, presurgical evaluation, invasive monitoring and evoked potentials.

Our regional epilepsy monitoring unit has received the highest designation — Level 4 — from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

What does that mean for you?

Simply put, you’ll train in an extraordinary environment that offers the most complex medical and surgical treatments available for epilepsy.

Your EMG training will be led by three neuromuscular specialists, including our department chair, a world-renowned expert in myasthenia gravis. With their guidance, you’ll gain a wealth of hands-on experience with a broad range of neuromuscular procedures, including routine EMG, nerve conduction studies, repetitive stimulation, single-fiber EMG and Botox injections.

Collectively, our faculty not only practice and promote best practices in clinical neurophysiology; we’re helping advance the understanding of, and treatments for, epilepsy and neuromuscular diseases.

Although our fellowship doesn’t require that you complete a scholarly project, if you have the time and inclination, we encourage you to participate in one of our numerous multicenter clinical trials or a restrospective/quality improvement study.

Speaking of time, there’s one aspect of this program that I didn't anticipate as an incoming fellow – namely, how manageable my schedule would be.

In contrast to the intense pace of a neurology residency, our fellowship program allows for breathing room. You’ll receive thorough, well-rounded training in clinical neurophysiology, build a strong foundation in the basic sciences – and still have enough off-hours to relax and enjoy your personal life.

That meant a lot of my family and me. And we continue to thrive in Western New York, taking full advantage of its neighborly atmosphere, excellent schools, abundance of recreational activities and low cost of living.

For a more in-depth look at the opportunities our program, and our region, can offer you, please visit the rest of our website.

I also invite you to contact me directly to discover how UB can play an integral role in your success story.

Regards,
Ping Li, MD