The Epilepsy Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa offers a comprehensive training experience designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in epileptology. This one-year fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers one position annually. Upon successful completion of the training program, the fellow will be eligible for the epilepsy subspecialty certification examination offered by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
This program is housed within the renowned Department of Neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Division of Pediatric Neurology at the Steady Family Children’s Hospital. Both centers constitute a high patient-volume and have demonstrated a robust commitment to the care of adults and children with epilepsy, as evidenced by a steady increase in EEG volume.
Our center maintains robust inpatient and outpatient adult and pediatric EEG services, highlighting our role as a leading center for epilepsy care and research in the Midwest region.
| Approximate Annual Case Volumes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Pediatrics | |
| Routine EEG | 1200 | 950 |
| Long term/ICU EEG monitoring | 1750 | 350 |
| EMU Admissions | 450 | 300 |
| Intracranial EEG Cases | 10 | 5 |
As a Level 4 epilepsy center recognized by NAEC, we have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level medical and surgical treatments for patients with epilepsy, including lobectomy, functional hemispherectomy, and endovascular embolic hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy, and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT).
Clinical Training: During the core EEG & clinical rotations, the fellow will work closely with a diverse patient population, including those with complex and treatment-resistant epilepsy and will gain a rich expertise in the following:
- Long term EEG monitoring in adult and pediatric EMU
- Continuous bedside EEG monitoring of critically ill patients in adult and pediatric ICU
- Routine EEG
- Ambulatory EEG
- Presurgical evaluation of patients with drug resistant epilepsy
- Intracranial EEG monitoring (stereo EEG, subdural grids)
- Intraoperative electrocorticography (ECOG)
- Intraoperative mapping of somatosensory cortex with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP)
- Wada procedure
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) programming
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and Responsive Nerve stimulation (RNS)
- Outpatient continuity clinic
- Ketogenic diet clinic
- Neuroimaging interpretation (brain MRI, PET, ictal SPECT, functional MRI)
Multidisciplinary Approach: The Epilepsy fellowship Program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy care, providing fellows opportunities to collaborate with specialists in neurosurgery, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, neurocritical care, nutritionists, genetic counselors, social workers and other relevant disciplines.
Educational Conferences: Throughout the fellowship, the fellow attends a diverse array of scheduled educational conferences including didactic lectures, surgical epilepsy case conferences, journal clubs, and neurology grand rounds, to enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills in epileptology.
Research Opportunities: Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in research and scholarly activities under the guidance of experienced faculty members. The University of Iowa is recognized for its contributions to epilepsy research, offering access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. Dedicated elective time to pursue research projects is available.
Faculty and Resources: The fellowship is supported by a distinguished faculty of board certified adult and pediatric epileptologists, neurophysiologists, neurosurgeons, and researchers who are committed to mentorship and the advancement of epilepsy care.
The University of Iowa boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced neuroimaging technologies, EEG monitoring capabilities, and dedicated separate epilepsy monitoring unit for adult and pediatric patients, ensuring fellows receive training with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Commitment to Diversity: The Epilepsy Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) in all facets of its training and operations. Recognizing the importance of a diverse healthcare workforce in addressing the complex needs of patients with epilepsy, our program actively promotes a culture of inclusiveness and respect for individuals from all backgrounds.
Location and Lifestyle: Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the fellowship offers a unique blend of professional growth and community charm with a high quality of life. Fellow benefits from a collegial atmosphere and access to a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The city itself is welcoming and vibrant, known for its cultural events, diverse dining options, and outdoor recreational activities in the farmlands, orchards and along the serene Iowa River. With a supportive medical community and a focus on patient-centered care, Iowa City provides an ideal environment for developing expertise in epilepsy treatment while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.