Goals and Philosophy

The Pediatric Neurology Residency Program shall provide a basic foundation for the resident who will specialize in the discipline of Pediatric Neurology and any of its subspecialties The program shall expose the resident to a variety of clinical scenarios and assist in the development of the skills necessary to diagnose and treat primary neurological disorders as well as the neurological complications of medical and surgical conditions in the adult and pediatric age groups. The program shall also provide an academic environment and foster an atmosphere conducive to the development of clinical and basic research. An important part of the program will be the development of specific skills in the area of neurological diagnostic procedures including neuroradiology, EEG, EMG, sleep disorders, muscle biopsy, skin biopsy, and lumbar puncture. At the conclusion of the program, the resident will be prepared for the autonomous practice of pediatric neurology in an academic or private practice environment.

Yearly Goals

First Year: Duties of a First-Year Adult Neurology Resident

Objectives: At the conclusion of the first year, the resident will be able to:

1. Obtain a complete neurological history and perform a complete neurological examination with appropriate documentation.
2. Relate the patient's chief complaint to the physical findings and propose a tentative diagnosis with alternate possibilities.
3. Propose a  management plan for each diagnosis and select the appropriate diagnostic studies to further define the diagnosis and treatment.
4. Understand how to assign work priorities and use consultants within the different subspecialties.
5. Develop skills in diagnostic procedures such as lumbar punctures.

Second and Third Year: Inpatient and Outpatient Duties at SCHC

Objectives: At the conclusion of the second year, the resident will be able to:

1. Obtain a history and perform a complete pediatric neurological examination. Special attention should be given to the difference in examination by age, milestones, growth patterns and behavior.
2. Develop a differential diagnosis and treatment plan with particular emphasis on metabolic and congenital disorders.
3. Participate in at least six months of inpatient service as well as selected and longitudinal clinics. The resident will make management decisions regarding patient care after careful discussion with the attending physician on inpatient service.
4. Develop proficiency in lumbar punctures and skin biopsies in children.
5. Participate in at least three one-month rotations in EEG, EMG, sleep medicine, and/or neuroradiology.
6. Begin a research project with the goal of publication during the residency.

Objectives: At the end of the third year, the resident will:

1. Conclude a research project for publication.
2. Participate in at least three months of rotations in EEG, EMG, sleep medicine, and neuroradiology. Develop a proficiency in interpretation of EEG and EMG studies.
3. Participate in all specialty clinics including Metabolic, Myopathy, Refractory Epilepsy, Sleep Disorders, and PKU and acquire an understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of the disorders seen in each of the clinics.
4. Participate in six months of inpatient service where the resident provides the primary management of the patients with the supervision by the attending physician.
5. Participate in one month of pathology; review and prepare muscle biopsy.

Sanjeev Kothare, M.D.
Program Director
Pediatric Neurology
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children