Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship

The Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship Program is fully integrated with the residency training program and activities coordinated to enhance the trainees’ education and experience over the course of one year. The fellows practice complex approaches on specially prepared cadaver specimens. Research projects focused on studying microsurgical anatomy and modifying/refining approaches are assigned to trainees. Fellows are expected to be involved in research projects and publications every year. At the clinical level, the intense exposure in the lab will promote the fellows surgical skills in the operating room. This is the ultimate practical goal to help young neurosurgeons deal with the type of complex cranial cases encountered.

GOALS and OBJECTIVES

The Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship Program is designed to develop highly skilled neurosurgeons that have expertise in the complete management of central nervous system cancer patients. The program expects fellows to acquire knowledge and skills in:

• clinical diagnosis in the in-patient and out-patient setting, appropriate patient selection for medical versus surgical management, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management of CNS tumor patients
• surgical resection of intra- and extra-parenchymal tumors, intra-operative brain mapping, awake craniotomy, navigational techniques, skull base approaches, endoscopic approaches, spine tumors, peripheral nerve tumors and surgical approaches for cancer related pain control
• the multidisciplinary approach to patient care including tumor board discussion with specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology and rehabilitation medicine
• clinical, transitional and/or basic research
• The fellow is expected to play an active role in resident teaching in both the clinic and operative settings. Participation in weekly formal academic half-days is required.