Movement Disorders Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Movement Disorders Fellowship Program. We are the only Movement Disorders training program serving the 3.5 million people living in the Twin Cities area. Our program combines a busy subspecialty practice with cutting edge neuromodulation surgical practice and research.
Our fellows have the opportunity to tailor a fellowship to their needs by focusing on clinical practice, neuromodulation management, surgical neurophysiology or research. All while enjoying life in the vibrant Twin Cities area rich with cultural and recreational activities. We look forward to hearing from you.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Movement Disorders Fellowship is a two year program.
Year 1 includes intensive training in clinical movement disorders, focusing on presentation, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and atypical Parkinsonism. Clinical rotations allow the fellow to evaluate and treat dystonia, tremor, myoclonus, chorea, tics, ataxia and other movement disorders. Fellows begin programming DBS patients with the aim of reaching basic competency in monopolar interrogation and initial programming, begin to follow their own panel of botulinum toxin therapy patients. Didactic courses add structure and knowledge to clinical learning, including an intensive course on botulinum toxin lectures, ultrasound training and hands-on anatomy lab experience. Year-round lectures on DBS theory and programming include basic principles, cutting edge research and practice.
In Year 2, fellows manage their own panel of patients with staff oversight. They become more involved in DBS surgical practice and advancing research, including in the UMN Udall Center. Fellows attend weekly microelectrode mapping of DBS surgeries and learn to perform complex DBS programming. Applications are accepted through SF Match.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES - CORE COMPETENCIES
Trainees will master advanced knowledge and skills regarding movement disorders including their assessment, monitoring, treatment and prevention using a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, interventional techniques, and medication.
Attainment of requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes will prepare trainees to practice Movement Disorders medicine, an interdisciplinary specialty that incorporates aspects of epidemiology, basic science, clinical neurology, neuroimaging, critical care, movement disorder pathology, neurobehavior, and neurorehabilitation. Movement Disorders Medicine encompasses outpatient practice. Movement disorders diagnoses can be serious and life threatening conditions and many patients require life long care.
RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
Movement Disorders fellows will participate in clinical trials, including recruitment of patients for clinical trials.
Fellows are also required to select a research topic for further participation. The topic must be selected before the midyear meeting with the Program Director, and goals discussed at that meeting.
Each fellow will present their research at the Year End Fellow Research Symposium, when all department fellows present their research projects. The Symposium is held in late May/early June of each year. Each fellows’ presentation is less than 10 minutes in length.
One project involving research related to neuromodulation is required during the fellowship training.