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The Division of Neurosurgery provides a stimulating and challenging environment for the surgical resident. The varied background and interests of its full-time faculty members, the sophisticated research programs of the neurosurgical resident staff, and the diversity of clinical problems addressed contribute to the gratification of the residency experience. The Neurosurgical Service provides the resident with intensive patient contact. Much of this contact is in an inpatient setting, although residents also see patients at the outpatient facility and the Emergency Medical Center.
The first year resident is initially responsible for taking patient histories and performing physical examinations. Instruction focuses on the clinical appraisal of disorders and diseases of the nervous system. The resident is exposed to a wide range of common neurosurgical entities, including elective, urgent, and emergent conditions. Patients suffering from head, spinal, vascular, and peripheral nerve injuries constitute the case mix. Residents are likely to see a broad spectrum of disease and learn the rationale and technique in managing various forms of hydrocephalus and subarachnoid hemorrhage of differing etiologies, as well as other major neurosurgical diseases. The Division has special sections in pediatric, skull base tumor, primary and metastatic brain tumor, epilepsy, cerebrovascular, stereotaxic and spinal neurosurgery, with specialized weekly conferences in most of these areas which all residents are expected to attend.
First year residents act as first and second assistants on the surgical team. They learn incision placement, principles of hemostasis, gentle handling of tissues, techniques of debridement and wound closure, etc. They become acquainted with the special intraoperative problems of neurosurgery, while at the same time learning sound principles of general surgery.
In addition, they learn techniques of burr hole preparation, incision opening and closure, and application of spine stabilizing apparati. They learn the basic principles of intracranial mass dynamics, as well as how to recognize surgical complications quickly. They become familiar with the rationale behind the various steps in pre-, intra-, and postoperative patient care, including special problems of wound care in the neurosurgical patient. Ward procedures include lumbar puncture and intracranial pressure monitoring device placement.
Residents learn how to choose among the armamentarium of neurosurgical diagnostic testing and evaluation. They receive exposure to management of epileptic seizures, evaluation and care of the comatose patient, and concepts and diagnosis of cerebral death. Residents participate in formal conferences, in case presentations and in discussions, and become partners in the Socratic method of instruction under faculty supervision. The Program's overall emphasis is consistent with that of the General Surgical Residency Program: to provide a prospective surgeon with the capabilities useful in a career in any surgical specialty. Through involvement in investigative work, the resident is also encouraged to pursue scholarly research in the field of general surgery.
With the help of the chief resident, staff and faculty, UCLA basic surgical residents become well-educated, well-rounded, humane surgeons whose practices are soundly based on the highest principles.
Following completion of the Basic Surgical Training Program, residents who have matched with the Neurosurgical residency continue in the UCLA program.
Detailed information about the Neurosurgical residency can be obtained from the Division Office at (310) 206-8093.
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Neil Martin, MD
Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
Chief, Division of Neurosurgery |
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Neurosurgery (Categorical)
Length of Program:
Seven years (One Year in the Basic Surgical Training Program followed by six years in the Neurosurgical Training Program)
Positions Available:
Two per year at the Postgraduate 1 level.
Eligibility Requirements:
USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (prior to beginning internship)
Graduation from an accredited U.S. or Canadian Medical School or valid ECFMG certificate and eligibility letter from the Medical Board of California
Application Deadlines:
October 2
Application Requirements:
Universal Residency Application or Written Application
Registration with the National Residency Matching Program
Curriculum Vitae
USMLE Step 1 Score
Four Letters of Recommendation
Dean's Letter
Personal Statement
Match Date:
Early January
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