Neurology Clerkship

In the Neurology Clerkship at UNM in Albuquerque, you'll have the opportunity to practice neurology and gain hands-on experience alongside the state’s preeminent neurology leaders. You will thrive as you embrace core practices for successful neurologists:

• Show enthusiasm
• Be punctual
• Take good care of your patients
• Ask questions
• Read about your patients
• Start studying for the shelf board exam on day one
• Have a positive attitude

Objectives

Clerks complete various objectives in preparation for comprehensive practice of neurological medicine

Objectives you'll complete include:

• Obtaining a complete and reliable history focusing on relevant facts
• Performing a complete and reliable neurological examination tailored to the chief complaint
• Developing a limited differential diagnosis based on the above
• Knowing the diagnostic criteria, natural history, demographics, treatment and prognosis for important neurological conditions
• Knowing the appropriate use and limitations of neurodiagnostic tests
• Reading and preparing for the SHELF board exam and USMLE step exams

Clerkship Curriculum

Our rigorous curriculum provides you with a breadth and depth of experience. Though the program is challenging, our caring staff and faculty will support you throughout your clerkship. Our curriculum includes lectures and review of on-line teaching modules, preparation for the shelf board exam, conferences, observing neurodiagnostic tests including EEG, EMG and neuroimaging.

Schedule

The clerkship consists of two weeks on the inpatient ward, one week on pediatric neurology consults and one week on adult clinic and consults.

On-Call Learning

All students will have one weekend of on-call rotation, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and one week of night call from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. You will round with the attending on weekend call, then join the resident to see patients on consults and in the emergency department. On weeknight call, you will join the resident in seeing patients on consultations and for admissions.

Grades

Your grade in neurology will be determined by the evaluations of the residents and attending physicians with whom you interact, your oral exam score, TINS grade and shelf board score. You must pass the shelf board exam to pass the rotation. Evaluations are conducted using the prime format. We encourage you to ask for feedback as it shows that you care and want to improve.

Professionalism and Performance

You're expected to dress and act professionally. We expect you to attend all scheduled activities. If you need to leave early or arrive late, please let us know. If you need to miss, please promptly notify us. We also expect the residents and attending to act professionally. If you observe anyone acting unprofessionally, we need and want to know about it.