PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington offers a Clinical Fellowship in Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery under the supervision of Professors Laligam N. Sekhar, and Manuel J. Ferreira. The fellowship provides training in microsurgery of cerebrovascular and skull base lesions, and endoscopic surgery of skull base tumors, and opportunities for clinical research, and publications. It does not include any endovascular training.
CLINICAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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The objective of the Cerebrovascular / Skull Base Fellowship is to provide advanced post-residency fellowship training in these two areas, which are both connected, and to produce future leaders in Neurological Surgery
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Fellows receive training in Microsurgery, Endoscopic Surgery preoperative evaluation, postoperative and follow up management, clinical research, and teaching
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In addition to participation in clinical activities, fellows are expected to read extensively, work in the cadaver /microsurgery lab, when possible, pursue innovation and clinical research which leads to presentations and publications
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Fellows are expected to treat all patients, colleagues, and co-workers with compassion and humility, and set an example for all UW physicians
Trainee Position Description and Essential Functions
ACCREDITATION
Accredited by the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS).
The Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellow is appointed as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Neurological Surgery. This fellowship is not ACGME-certified. Fellows assume attending-level call responsibilities, including neurotrauma coverage, at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) or UW Medical Center (UWMC) during their respective rotations.
Previous fellows from this program have distinguished themselves through stellar patient care and excellence as educators.
Fellowship positions are now filled and/or applications now closed:
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2026-2027
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2027-2028
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2028-2029
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for the Neurological Surgery Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellowship must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Successful completion of an ACGME-accredited Neurosurgery Residency Program in the USA
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Trainees who have completed Canadian Neurosurgical residency programs will be considered, when other excellent US graduates are not available for the position
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Letter of recommendation from their Program Director certifying their excellence, qualifications, and appropriateness for their training
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Eligibility for appointments in accordance with institutional Graduate Medical Education (GME) policies and applicable specialty society standards, when applicable
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Board eligible or Board certified in American Board of Neurological Surgery
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Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State medical license appropriate for fellowship training and clinical responsibilities, including:
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Physician and Surgeon License, or
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Other license types permitted by institutional and state regulatory requirements
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Demonstrated eligibility for hospital credentialing and clinical privileges
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Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment
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The fellowship does not sponsor visas; applicants requiring visa are not eligible for appointment
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International graduates are not eligible for this clinical fellowship
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants to the Neurological Surgery Cerebrovascular Fellowship must submit a complete application package for consideration. Required application materials include:
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Letter of interest
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Current curriculum vitae (CV)
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Three letters of recommendation
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Additional supporting documentation may be requested at the discretion of the program
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should send application materials to: nsfellowship@uw.edu
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are reviewed once all required materials have been received. The selection process is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicants:
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Clinical and operative performance
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Cerebrovascular and skull base surgical experience
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Academic achievements and scholarly activity
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Professionalism, leadership, and communication skills
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Commitment to academic neurosurgery and multidisciplinary cerebrovascular care
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Overall preparedness for advanced fellowship training
Selected candidates whose qualifications, training background, and career goals align with the objectives of the fellowship will be invited to participate in the interview process.
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The fellowship program does not discriminate against any person, and selection of candidates is based purely on excellence, and compatibility with our institution and training environment
The interview process provides applicants with an opportunity to discuss:
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Clinical and operative experience
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Research and academic interests
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Educational and career goals
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Interest in cerebrovascular neurosurgery
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Professional development and future career plans
ACCOMMODATIONS
Applicants who require disability accommodation for the interview may request an accommodation from the UW Disability Services Office. In the event that such an accommodation is requested, the UW Disability Services Office will inform the GME Office and the Program of the request in order to facilitate an appropriate accommodation, if indicated.
APPOINTMENT LENGTH, SALARY AND BENEFITS
Appointment Length
12 months (July 1 – June 30)
Salary
At the University of Washington, clinical fellows are frequently appointed with the academic title of Acting Instructor, which designates a transitional, faculty-level status during advanced training.
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Current annual base salary for Acting Instructors: $120,000 ($10,000 per month)
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Clinical fellows may be eligible for additional clinical activities, such as moonlighting or Saturday surgeries, subject to approval by the Chair and School of Medicine, which, if approved, will provide additional compensation.
Benefits
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information about the UW Cerebrovascular & Skull Base Surgery Fellowship Program, please contact: nsfellowship@uw.edu.
FELLOWSHIP FACULTY
Neurological Surgery:
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Laligam N. Sekhar, MD, FACS, FAANS Fellowship Director Vice Chairman & Professor |
Fellowship Co-Director Vice Chairman & Professor |
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Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD, FACS Chairman & Professor |
Vice Chairman & Professor |
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Professor |
CURRENT FELLOW(S)
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PREVIOUS FELLOWS
To see where our past fellows on the Where Are They Now page. |
LIVING IN SEATTLE
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