Complex and Reconstructive Spine Surgery
In spinal deformity surgery, spinal alignment is of paramount importance. This discipline includes advanced reconstructive spine surgery techniques to manage skeletal deformities such as scoliosis and oncologic and congenital disorders of the spine. The Complex and Reconstructive Spine Surgery fellowship assumes that the successful candidate has a solid foundation in spinal surgery and instrumentation; it provides the skills in evaluation and treatment of spinal deformity. Other advanced treatment modalities such as image guidance and minimally invasive surgery supplement the deformity training.
The yearlong fellowship is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Subspecialty Training of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. It’s based at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Education
The fellowship is divided into focused blocks of study, each defining a primary area of the curriculum and educational responsibility including:
- Surgical and outpatient management of major deforming conditions of the spine
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
Current didactic conferences relative to the fellowship include multidisciplinary high-risk spine and spine deformity conferences and weekly neurosurgical spine conferences. Fellows are required to participate in monthly Neurosurgery Morbidity/Mortality, Journal Club, Spinal Disorders Conference and Spine Research Conference.
Research
The fellowship program provides the opportunities for basic science, translational and clinical research. It is expected that the fellow will devise and execute original laboratory work or participate in ongoing laboratory work under the direction of one of the faculty members. Fellows are expected to prepare and present research studies and manuscripts for publication.
Clinical Experience
The fellowship will provide broad exposure to clinical evaluation and patient selection for operative and non-operative management in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Fellows will actively participate in the operative management of a wide range of spinal disorders, including traumatic, degenerative, and neoplastic conditions. In addition, fellows will gain skills and an understanding of the current limitations of and future possibilities for minimally invasive techniques in deformity surgery.
The clinical experience will encompass both in- and outpatient settings. Fellows will further refine both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques through participation in cadaveric dissection and simulation sessions at Northwestern’s Center for Advanced Surgical Education facilities.
Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants for this fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in neurological surgery or equivalent training, be board-eligible for ABNS certification and meet the State of Illinois’ requirements for medical licensure. Non-U.S. citizens would need to obtain a valid Visa and authorization to work in United States.
Application Process
Application packets should include the following:
- Completed GME application (download an application)
- CV
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Please mail all required items to:
Tyler R. Koski, MD
Fellowship Director
Northwestern Department of Neurological Surgery
676 N. St. Clair, Suite 2210
Chicago, IL 60611
Why Northwestern?
Housestaff training through McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University provides diverse and challenging clinical experiences and world-class education located in the heart of the beautiful city of Chicago. Learn more via the links to the McGaw website below.
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