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Neurology Curriculum

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Neurology Curriculum

CURRICULUM

    Overview

    PGY-1/PGY-2

    We now offer two different tracks that residents can choose from early in their PGY-1 year:

    ABP (American Board of Pediatrics) Board Eligible Track:

    For residents interested in being dual certified in pediatrics and child neurology, residents will complete the following requirements outlined by the ABP for child neurology residents to ensure they qualify to sit for the Pediatrics boards.

    Pediatric Neurology Track:

    For residents who do not wish to take the Pediatrics boards, they may opt into the “Pediatric Neurology Track”. The following summarizes the changes to the PGY-2 year with implementation of this track:

    • 1 inpatient pediatric block is replaced with 1 inpatient pediatric neurology block
    • 1 outpatient pediatric block is replaced with 1 outpatient pediatric neurology block
    • Half of the resident’s continuity clinics in the PGY-2 year are in pediatric neurology with the other half in general pediatrics
    • We recommend the following electives, but there is flexibility to align with the resident’s preferences: Genetics, PM&R, Palliative Care

    Both years of pediatrics training utilize an “X+Y” curriculum (3 weeks traditional rotation + 1 ambulatory week).  This allows for a guaranteed week of outpatient and academic experience each month, while preserving time during the rest of the month for dedicated inpatient or elective experiences. During this “Y” week, residents spend 4-5 half days in their longitudinal outpatient experience (LOE) or continuity clinic. Other longitudinal experiences make up the remainder of the time during Y weeks, including courses on advocacy, adolescent medicine, behavior and development, subspecialty pediatrics, and individual or small group work on quality improvement or research.

    Find more information on our Pediatrics Residency Program.

    PGY-3
    First Year

    Introduction to Child Neurology

    The first year of child neurology residency is a mix of adult and pediatric neurology, with a goal of learning to manage acute neurological problems, mastering the neurological exam, applying neurological localization concepts, and developing a formal approach to neurological differential diagnosis. This foundational year is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience and a broad clinical education.

    Clinical Rotations: 

    Child Neurology (8 blocks):

    • 4 Blocks of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital
    • 1 Block of Pediatric Neurology Clinic
    • 1 Block of Pediatric EEG (2 weeks of inpatient EEG reading and 2 weeks of EMU)
    • 1/2 Block (2 weeks) of Pediatric Neuroradiology at Primary Children's Hospital
    • 1.5 Blocks of Pediatric Neurology Elective

    Adult Neurology (5 blocks):

    • 1 Block of Inpatient Wards at University Hospital
    • 1 Block of Inpatient Wards and Consults at the Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center
    • 1/2 Block (2 weeks) of Neuro-Ophthalmology
    • 1/2 Block (2 weeks) of Adult Neuromuscular
    • 1 Block Rotation of Adult EEG & Epilepsy
    • 1 Block of Adult Outpatient Elective

    Electives:

    • 2 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspeciality areas of the resident's choosing.

    Educational Activities in the PGY-3 Year:

    • Noon Report:  PGY-3 residents present at two noon reports throughout their PGY-3 year
    • M&M Conferences: PGY-3 residents present one M&M conference along with a co-resident.  Here they discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality to identify opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes
    • Journal Club: PGY-3 residents present one journal club in which they prepare and lead discussions, fostering critical appraisal of current literature
    • ClinicoPathological Conference (CPC): PGY-3 residents present one CPC. The purpose of clinicopathological conferences (CPCs) is to use actual cases to illustrate the processes that accompany the clinical evaluation of a patient, including obtaining a history, obtaining ancillary testing, generating a differential diagnosis, establishing a definitive diagnosis, as well as treating diseases
    PGY-4
    Second Year

    Mastering Your Skills

    The second year of child neurology residency is dedicated to mastering the neurological exam and developing an efficient approach to evaluating and treating neurological disorders in children. This year also includes exposure to subspecialty areas of neurology and electrophysiology. By the end of the second year, residents will have mastered the neurological exam, developed an efficient approach to pediatric neurological care, and gained substantial experience in subspecialty areas and electrophysiology. They will be well-prepared for the increased responsibilities of their final year and for their future careers in Pediatric Neurology.

    Clinical Rotations:

    Child Neurology (9 blocks):

    • 5 Blocks of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital.
    • 1 Block of Pediatric EEG (2 weeks of EMU and 2 weeks of routine EEG reading + epilepsy clinic)
    • 3 Pediatric Neurology electives

    Adult Neurology (4 blocks):

    • 1 Block of Inpatient Wards at University of Utah Hospital
    • 1 Block of Inpatient Wards and Consults at the Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center
    • 2 adult electives

    Elective:

    • 2 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspecialty areas of the resident's choosing.

    Educational Activities in the PGY-4:

    • Noon Report:  PGY-4 residents present at 2 noon reports throughout their PGY-4 year
    • M&M Conferences: PGY-4 residents present one M&M conference along with a co-resident.  Here they discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality to identify opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes
    • Journal Club: PGY-4 residents present one journal club in which they prepare and lead discussions, fostering critical appraisal of current literature
    • Grand Rounds: PGY-4 residents present one traditional grand rounds lecture at Pediatric Neurology Grand Rounds
    • ClinicoPathological Conference (CPC): PGY-3 residents present one CPC The purpose of clinicopathological conferences (CPCs) is to use actual cases to illustrate the processes that accompany the clinical evaluation of a patient, including obtaining a history, obtaining ancillary testing, generating a differential diagnosis, establishing a definitive diagnosis, as well as treating diseases
    • WINO Paper: Residents write and submit a scientific research paper to the WINO Selection Committee and also present their project to the division (WINO is the Western Intermountain Neurological Organization that puts on a fall and spring conference and is hosted by the University of Utah)
    PGY-5
    Third Year

    Becoming a Child Neurologist

    The final year of pediatric neurology residency is designed to synthesize and refine clinical skills, preparing residents for independent practice. This year emphasizes increased responsibility, autonomy, leadership, and comprehensive care in pediatric neurology. By the conclusion of the third year, residents are well-prepared to transition to independent practice, equipped with advanced clinical skills, leadership experience, and a strong foundation in pediatric neurology.

    Clinical Rotations:

    Child Neurology (9 blocks):

    • 5 Block Rotations of Inpatient Wards at Primary Children's Hospital.
    • 1 Block Rotations of EEG & Epilepsy
    • 1 Block Rotation of PM&R
    • 1 Block Rotation of Genetics

    Adult Neurology (4 blocks):

    • 2 Blocks of Adult Neurology Consults at University of Utah Hospital
    • 1 block of adult elective
    • 1 Block of Neuropathology

    Electives:

    • 4 Block Rotations of Electives in Adult or Pediatric subspecialty areas of the resident's choosing

    Educational Activities:

    • Noon Report:  PGY-5 residents present at 1 noon report in their PGY-5 year
    • M&M Conferences: PGY-5 residents present one M&M conference along with a co-resident.  Here they discuss cases of unexpected morbidity or mortality to identify opportunities for performance improvement and better clinical outcomes
    • Grand Rounds: PGY-5 residents present one traditional grand rounds lecture at Pediatric Neurology Grand Rounds
    • General Pediatrics Residency Lecture: PGY-5 residents present one lecture to the General Pediatrics Residency on a child neurology topic
    • WINO Paper: Residents write and submit a scientific research paper to the WINO Selection Committee, and they also present their project to the division (WINO is the Western Intermountain Neurological Organization that puts on a fall and spring conference and is hosted by the University of Utah)

    Examinations and Certification:

    • NEX Examinations: By the end of the third year, residents are expected to have successfully completed the five required Neurology Examination (NEX) assessments.
    • Board Preparation: Residents begin preparation for the specialty board examination of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, solidifying their readiness for certification.

    Block Schedule

    Curriculum Requirements

    Rotations