Division of Child Neurology - Clinical Training

Neurological disorders often present differently in children than they do in adults, and the diagnostic approach and therapeutic decisions must take into account the special needs and clinical realities of treating newborns to adolescents. Thus, Stanford trainees in Child Neurology are expected to become proficient in multiple arenas. The Child Neurology residents develop superb clinical acumen in pediatric neurology, while also gaining strong skills in adult neurology and thorough training in pertinent neurological sub-specialties (see Child Neurology Residency).

The Child Neurology Division places a very high priority on quality clinical neurology training in a pediatric environment. Currently there are a total of twelve residents (four per year) and additional fellows engaged in subspecialty training after residency in neuro-muscular, neuro-physiology, neuro-oncology, epilepsy, and other areas.

Residency requirements in Child Neurology are per the standards of the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Training time on the Child Neurology service is woven into all three years of residency, while the bulk of adult neurology training is completed in the first residency year. Residency applications are submitted via the National Resident Match Program. All Child Neurology positions at Stanford are categorical; that is, all trainees complete their two years of Pediatrics residency at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital prior to embarking upon their Child Neurology residency. Applicants match simultaneously to Child Neurology and Pediatrics at Stanford and should submit one, categorical application to the Child Neurology program via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants should include at least one recommendation from their Pediatrics program, and another from their Neurology program. The residency seeks the strongest applicants, possessing a diversity of experience and background, outstanding clinical skills, and potential for independence in scholarship. Further questions can be directed to Residency Director, Dr. Cynthia Campen.

Fellowship applicants interested in neuro-oncology, epilepsy, and other subspecialties should contact directly the appropriate faculty or Interim Child Neurology Division Chief, William Gallentine, DO.

Philosophically, the Child Neurology training programs are not only concerned with transmitting knowledge to clinical trainees but also committed to scientific investigation and the acquisition of new knowledge. Residents are required to participate in scholarship under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, and fellows are required to engage in research appropriate to their career pathway. Graduating residents have gone on to sub-specialty fellowships, postgraduate research, a variety of academic faculty posts, or sometimes community practice.

Questions?

Dr. Cynthia Campen
Program Director, Pediatric Neurology Residency Program
Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences