Stanford Autonomic Disorders Program Fellowship

"I completed a one-year fellowship in Autonomic Disorders program at Stanford University, and it was an incredible experience. I was exposed to diverse cases including POTS, pure autonomic failure, multiple system atrophy, autoimmune autonomic diseases, and others. Patients travel to the clinic from different states and even other countries seeking expert opinions and specialized treatment. These opportunities enriched my clinical experience and broadened my understanding of autonomic medicine.

A standout aspect of my fellowship was the faculty. They were not only highly knowledgeable and experienced but also incredibly approachable and supportive. Their genuine interest in my learning and growth made a significant difference in my training. They encouraged open dialogue, welcomed questions, and provided constructive feedback, creating a space where I felt comfortable discussing complex cases and seeking guidance. The structured weekly didactics—lectures, journal clubs, and case discussions—provided a well-rounded and enriching learning experience. The balance between clinical practice and academic learning was perfect.

I also had a great time working with the amazing technicians in the lab. Their expertise and willingness to share their knowledge made my hands-on experience even more enjoyable. I became proficient in performing and interpreting autonomic tests and procedures. This hands-on exposure was invaluable in developing a comprehensive understanding of diagnoses and management for autonomic disorders.

For anyone considering further training in autonomic medicine, I highly recommend Stanford’s Autonomic Disorders Fellowship program. The comprehensive training in autonomic testing, the wide range of clinical cases and their complexities, and the supportive faculty and staff make it a great place to learn and to build expertise in this unique and evolving field"

"Reflecting on my year-long fellowship in autonomic neurology, specifically in the neurogastroenterology track, I can confidently say it has been transformative. This experience not only deepened my understanding of complex autonomic disorders such as orthostatic hypotension (OH), POTS, EDS, CFS, and gastroparesis, but also fueled my passion for patient care in unexpected ways.

The faculty acted as mentors, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encouraged my professional growth. I gained invaluable hands-on experience in independently performing a comprehensive battery of autonomic function tests and obtaining skin biopsies for alpha synucleinopathy screening. Mastering these techniques has been crucial for effectively counseling patients and preparing them for referrals. Additionally, I participated in research activities, including clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives, and co-authored a manuscript reviewing the use of capnography in testing patients with POTS (Miglis, Syed, et al.; Clin Auton Res, 2024).

As I transition to my current gastroenterology fellowship, I will carry forward enhanced clinical skills and a renewed commitment to improving patient outcomes in gastrointestinal health, particularly for those with dysmotility. Having completed my fellowship, I am now eligible to sit for the UCNS autonomic board exam, marking an important step in my professional journey."

"I hope to build on my neurogastroenterology experience here at Stanford and pursue that as my area of interest going forward also. The exceptional culture of innovation and academic excellence I have seen at Stanford will always remain benchmarks for me to strive for."

"I chose the Stanford Autonomic Neurology Fellowship for its strong clinical training, great clinical mentors and abundant research opportunities. Stanford is one of the few institutions with an autonomic program on the West Coast and in the United States. At Stanford I saw patients with a wide range of autonomic disorders. The learning environment was very congenial, the staff friendly and the autonomic faculty were great teachers and mentors. I had the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research and had abundant support while securing my grant funding. Overall, the Autonomic Neurology Fellowship at Stanford prepared me very well for my future in academic medicine."

"I chose to take a gap year after finishing my internal residency to do this unique fellowship of Autonomic and Neurogastroenterology at Stanford, because of how strongly the brain and gut axis are connected. Many patients with GI problems, specifically those with motility disorders, have a vast array of autonomic symptoms and dysfunction, which is often overlooked, but at the same time, very debilitating in their quality of life. This fellowship allowed me to gain such a strong fund of knowledge in autonomic diseases and how to apply it to our patients within the GI community. As a tertiary center, I was able to learn and see a diverse pathology of autonomic diseases. This was such a unique opportunity for me to learn about autonomic dysfunction and how I can utilize this in my practice in neurogastroenterology as I complete my GI fellowship."