2024-25 NREF Clinical Fellowship Grant

This program is a combined fellowship that encourages post-graduate fellows pursuing advanced training in spine surgery to gain excellent clinical and research training with both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. The fellowship includes clinical training at Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. The curriculum consists of 12 months of training, primarily at our busiest site, Harborview Medical Center (HMC). Extensive management of spinal trauma, degenerative disorders and deformity is available at HMC and clinical education includes pre-operative evaluation, surgical decision-making, surgery, and post-operative care. In order to ensure breadth of experience, the fellow will have the opportunity for elective operative experience at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC).

The Neurological Surgery Department’s working relationship with the Department of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine allows for invaluable exposure to both Orthopaedic and Neurological Surgery approaches to spine surgery. Past fellows have reported immense educational value in learning a broader range of techniques. Furthermore, during the fellowship, the fellow works closely with clinicians and academicians in the departments of Neurology, Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Anesthesia.

Research activities are encouraged with the faculty at both institutions. Research opportunities include studies involving clinical trials, spine surgery outcome study as well as basic research with Neurological Surgery and affiliated faculty. The fellow attend Neurological Surgery Grand Rounds every week, and will also be involved in the weekly didactic, pre-operative conferences at both HMC and UWMC. The fellow will rotate fellow-level on-call responsibilities with Orthopaedic Spine fellows.