Program Description - Year One Objectives

The first year of training is spent primarily on the adult neurology service and involves caring for patients with both acute and more long-term neurological problems under the direct supervision of staff adult neurologists.

The Primary Objectives of Year One

  • To think about problems as a neurologist, with a focus on determining localization of the causative pathology. The emphasis is on learning clinical neuroanatomy and making functional/structural correlations, utilizing history, examination, neuroimaging, clinical neurophysiology, clinical neurometabolism, genetic testing and neuropathology.
  • To learn how to obtain a comprehensive neurological history.
  • To learn how to carry out a complete neurological examination, including a detailed mental status examination.
  • To learn to synthesize clinical data using the history and neurological examination, and develop a differential diagnosis, an investigative plan and an outline of different treatment approaches for each case.
  • To gain exposure to the full spectrum of neurological disorders seen in adults.
  • To learn to manage acute neurological emergencies.

Additionally, Pediatric Neurology residents in their first year will maintain a one-half day Pediatric Neurology continuity clinic each week (see objectives for years two and three).