Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship

Our CAST-Accredited fellowship at University at Buffalo is led by Jonathan Riley, MD and Assaf Berger, MD. It also includes contributions from fellow neurosurgeon Elad Levy, MD, pain management physician Jafar Siddiqui, MD, radiation oncologist Dheerendra Prasad, MD, and non-surgical faculty comprised for our surgical movement disorders neurologists and epileptologists.

The UBNS S&FN is characterized by a breadth of clinical engagement in hospital- and dedicated neurosurgical-specific ambulatory surgery environments that comprise complete experiences in the traditional domains of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery: treatment of chronic somatic pain, medically intractable epilepsy, and treatment refractory movement disorders. Expectedly, this takes place in a highly collegial environment in which the fellow will be at the center of multidisciplinary decision making that includes longitudinal interactions with our neurology colleagues. In addition to exposure to classical technical approaches, the fellow will be exposed to cutting edge technologies and will become facile with surgical robotics for use in the OR, enabling technologies that allow completion of stereotactic procedures in the MRI environment, and comfort with MR-guided focused ultrasound. An additional component of the training program includes an in-depth exposure to Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, with cases completed in both a hospital environment and in an ASC environment.

Primary clinic and OR-based interactions will be with functional neurosurgery partners Jonathan Riley, MD and Assaf Berger, MD. There will be opportunities in engagement in research endeavors across the functional neurosurgery domains as well as collaborative research opportunities with our neurology colleagues and other programs within the department and the university. Participation in clinical trial opportunities including for both brain computer interface technologies and intracranial biologics delivery will be an ongoing part of the fellowship.

The functional fellowship is open to applicants who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency training program in neurosurgery or international equivalent. For international applicants, documented completion of examinations (e.g. USMLE) will be necessary.

Applications for the stereotactic and functional neurosurgery fellowship are accepted on an ongoing basis. Candidates are required to send the following:

1. updated CV
2. cover letter describing career goals and anticipated start / end dates for fellowship training
3.  three (3) letters of recommendation
4. any Visa requirements

The above documents should be forwarded to:

Jonathan Riley, MD FCNS
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Email: jriley@ubns.com

Candidate packets will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by primary fellowship faculty: Jonathan Riley, MD and Assaf Berger, MD. Upon review of the initial provided application materials, the candidate will be contacted to discuss possible interview opportunities. Upon acceptance into the program, the candidate will receive an offer letter confirming dates of fellowship. Candidates are requested to sign and return a confirmation of receipt and an acceptance of the offer. Subsequent correspondence to the candidate will entail all documents regarding hospital credentialing, licensure, university appointment and human resource matters.