Medical students are encouraged to rotate through our neurosurgical service, to gain an appreciation of the wide variety of acute and chronic neurological disease. Students on service will improve their ability to conduct a neurological exam, assess acute neurological emergencies, and participate in clinic and the OR activities. Acting Internships (AIs), electives, selectives are offered through UABSOM. Please contact the chief resident 1 week prior to your start date, to discuss and plan your rotation.
Acting Internships/ Visiting Student
This rotation is preferred for 4th year medical students interested in applying for a neurosurgical residency. However, students interested in neurology, critical care, or general surgery/trauma would also benefit from this rotation.
Each 4 week rotation is composed of 1 week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric services. The student will be expected to fully participate in the service, including AM “pre-rounds”, conference, OR, clinic, and other didactic activities. The student will take 6 calls/month, including two weekend calls. During call, the student will be expected to perform an H&P, present cases during rounds, and assist in the operating room. Finally, each student is asked to prepare one 10 minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during an afternoon conference (Mondays, Thursday).
Elective
This rotation is designed for those 4th year medical students applying into non-neurosurgical fields, but desire specific exposure to neurosurgical topics.
The 4 week rotation is composed of 1 weeks assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric services – however, a specific schedule can be tailored to individual interests. The student will participate in the service, including conference, OR, and other didactic activities. Call is encouraged, but not required – and is left to the discretion of the student in fulfilling his/her educational goals. Finally, each student is asked to prepare one 5 minute presentation, to be given at the end of the rotation during a daily or weekly conference.
Selective
This rotation is designed for 3rd year medical students, exploring careers in neurosurgery. If the student decides to pursue neurosurgery, he/she is then strongly encouraged to subsequently take the AI rotation.
This 4 week rotation is composed of 1 week assignments, tailored to the individual interests of the student – as advised by faculty or the chief resident. The student will participate in the service, including conference, OR, and other didactic activities. Call (1-2 nights) is encouraged, particularly for those with a strong interest in neurosurgical residency.
Please contact us for further information.