Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowships

Fellowship Overview

Clinical Neuroimmunology is a robustly expanding subspecialty of neurology. Multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorder and related diseases are increasingly recognized worldwide. Treatment options for MS have greatly expanded, engendering complexity in immunotherapeutical management. Patients with these disorders increasingly seek out disease-specific specialty care. Research and investigation is vibrant within the specialty, spanning the spectrum from bench to bedside. There is active need for MS/Clinical Neuroimmunology specialists, and there is significant career opportunities for neurologists with fellowship training in this subspecialty.  We are committed to training tomorrow's leaders in this vital and consequential field.

Clinical/Clinical Research Fellowship

  • 2 year fully funded fellowship
    • Additional years possible upon mutual agreement by fellow and program director
       
  • Combined clinical/research training tailored to Fellow’s interests
    • Typically 50%/50% averaged across the training period
       
  • Limitless collaboration potential spanning the translational science spectrum from basic science immunology → clinical trials.  Highlighted collaborators:
  • Employment and career counseling from Day 1
  • No overnight/weekend call responsibilities

Training

  • Teaching from 7 nationally recognized sub-specialists in MS/Clinical Neuroimmunology
  • Focus on diagnosis, prognosis, immunomodulatory/symptomatic therapeutics for demyelinating diseases (MS, NMO, MOGAD, etc)
  • Opportunities for rotations/clinics in:
    • Pediatric leukodystophy/genetic WM disorders
    • Encephalitis (ie. Anti-NMDA-R)
    • Neuro-rheumatology
    • CNS vasculitis

Didactics

Weekly

  • Neuroimmunology Lecture Series
  • Neuroimmunology Journal Club
  • Challenging case conference
  • Departmental Grand Rounds

Monthly

  • Neuroradiology case conference
  • Clinical Teaching Seminar Series (CTSS)

Quarterly

  • Multidisciplinary Autoimmune Encephalitis conference
  • Multidisciplinary Neuro-rheumatology conference
  •  Multidisciplinary Neuroimmunology/Neuromuscular conference

Yearly

  • Supported attendance/participation in major national and/or international MS/Neuroimmunology conferences.

Research

  • Fundamental research training in study design, biostatistics, informatics, regulatory issues, and bioethics through SPECTRUM’s Intensive Course in Clinical Research (ICCR)
  • Fellows paired with clinical trial PIs to learn nuances of study start-up from CDA contracts, IRB approvals and budgeting to enrollment and implementation including adverse event reporting
  • Fellow’s enrolled as sub-investigators in clinical trials for hands-on experience in patient evaluations, EDSS, and outcome measures.
  • Supervised scholarly project/research at 1st authorship level in area of Fellow’s interest

Applications

We will be participating in the inaugural Neuroimmunology Fellowship Match facilitated by SF Match and sponsored by ACTRIMS.  All applicants interested in our program must apply through this portal.

We request a cover letter outlining your career goals and interest in pursuing our Clinical/Clinical Research Fellowship, a minimum of three letters of recommendation and a copy of your CV.   Candidates must hold an MD or equivalent, be board eligible in neurology, and be eligible for a California medical license.

For additional information please see the ACTRIMS website and SF Match website with timetable of key dates/deadlines

Please note, that your application to our program through this match is due Friday, December 15th, 2023 for a July 2025 start date.