The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Neurology Residency Program's educational activities provide residents with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. These activities typically include a combination of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, case-based discussions, journal clubs, morbidity and mortality conferences, and hands-on procedural training.
At SLU, residents work closely with experienced neurologists and subspecialists, gaining exposure to a wide range of neurological conditions, from common to rare. They also have opportunities to conduct research, present their findings, and attend conferences, fostering their growth as clinicians and scholars. The program's educational activities are carefully structured to ensure that residents develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to provide exceptional patient care and excel in neurology.
Education
A robust series of educational neurology-focused conferences, including:
- Daily didactic conferences
- Weekly grand rounds
- Weekly case reports
- Weekly pediatric journal club
- Bimonthly epilepsy/EEG lectures
- Monthly M&M conference
- Monthly neuroradiology lectures
- Monthly basic science lectures
- Monthly statistics lectures
Procedurally oriented, with hands-on exposure/training in:
- Lumbar punctures
- EMG/NCS
- Botox injections
- Angiograms/thrombectomies
- Skin biopsies
- DBS programming
- Bimonthly neuromuscular lectures
Required Quality Improvement Project
A QI project is vital for any neurology residency program as it instills a culture of continuous learning and excellence in patient care. These projects enable residents to identify and address real-world clinical issues, enhancing their problem-solving skills and clinical acumen. Moreover, they contribute to improved patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction, reinforcing the program's commitment to delivering high-quality neurological care. Additionally, participation in quality improvement projects equips residents with valuable skills in data analysis, teamwork and leadership, preparing them to be well-rounded and effective neurologists in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Wellness and Mentorship
Wellness is of utmost importance in our neurology residency program as it directly impacts residents' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Neurology is a demanding field with high stress levels, and prioritizing wellness helps mitigate burnout and fosters resilience among residents. Our program promotes wellness through work-life balance, access to mental health resources, and a supportive community that cares for its residents and enhances their ability to provide quality patient care. Maintaining wellness ensures that residents can navigate the challenges of their training effectively and develop into compassionate, skilled and long-term contributors to the field of neurology.
Mentorship is paramount in our neurology residency program as it provides guidance, support, and a structured path for residents to develop their clinical and professional skills. Seasoned neurologists serve as mentors, offering insights, sharing their experiences, and helping residents navigate complex cases and ethical dilemmas. This one-on-one relationship fosters personal and professional growth, encourages lifelong learning, and instills a sense of belonging within the neurology community. Mentorship helps residents become skilled clinicians and cultivates the next generation of leaders in the field, ensuring the ongoing advancement of neurological care and research.
Research
Our neurology residency program is uniquely enriched by our Institute for Translational Neuroscience within the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Institute for Translational Neuroscience
We firmly believe in the integral role of research in advancing our understanding of neurological disorders and improving patient care. Residents and faculty have exceptional opportunities in our program to collaborate closely with SLU's Institute for Translational Neuroscience engaging in groundbreaking research across various aspects of neurology. This collaborative environment empowers our residents to work alongside esteemed faculty members, translating their clinical insights into impactful research findings. We encourage and support our residents' active participation in publishing their data, and they regularly present their research at national conferences. This commitment to research enhances their medical knowledge and shapes them into well-rounded neurologists poised to contribute significantly to the field and improve the lives of individuals affected by neurological disorders.