Skull Base Neurosurgery Fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Surgical approaches to the skull base require a deep understanding of neuroanatomy. Here at the Northwestern Skull Base Lab in downtown Chicago, we give residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons an opportunity to work with highly trained faculty using state-of-the-art technologies and hands-on dissection, emphasizing a comprehensive and translational approach using real surgical techniques that better equip trainees with the skills they need in the operating room.
Education
The fellowship will provide broad educational experience in clinical skull base neurosurgery with experience under the direction of specified clinical faculty. The program provides an organized, comprehensive, supervised, full-time educational experience in the field of skull base neurosurgery that includes
- Comprehensive patient care
- Diagnostic modalities
- The performance of surgical procedures
- The integration of non-operative and surgical therapies into clinical patient management.
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
Fellows actively participate in operative management of a wide range of skull base surgical conditions including both tumor-related, vascular, traumatic, congenital or other pathological diseases and abnormalities. Progressive responsibility in patient management will be provided.
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 the Northwestern Skull Base Lab.
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:
James P. Chandler, MD
Fellowship Director
Northwestern Department of Neurological Surgery
676 N. St. Clair, Suite 1300
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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Fellowship Faculty
Adam M. Sonabend Worthalter, MD
Contact Us
If you have questions, would like additional information about the fellowship, or to arrange a visit, please contact the division chief and fellowship director jchandle@nm.org.
Physician-Scientist Training & Resources
We offer a wide range of resources, mentorship opportunities and formal training programs to help our residents and fellows excel as physician-scientists. Explore all of the resources and hear from housestaff who are making research a major part of their career development plans.
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