Neurology Pre-Residency

UNM’s unique post-doctoral, pre-residency clinical training program is designed to provide rigorous hands-on training in all aspects of neurological care and education in the basic clinical skills, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuroradiology. You will gain all the exposure and teaching needed to become a well-prepared, solid intern. Many of our previous graduates were able to enter a formal training program following completion of the one year experience.

Clinical Training & Electives

Over the course of 12 months, you will rotate through our different neurology service lines:

• Neurocritical Care in a dedicated, state-of-the-art 24 bed ICU
• Vascular Neurology
• Neurohospitalist program
• Ward nights

The opportunity for interest-based electives exist throughout the year and we pride ourselves on tailoring the educational experience to your unique needs.

Patient Population & Rare Diseases

Our stroke center cares for approximately 700 ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients each year. As the only tertiary care center in the state, we serve a diverse patient population from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. 

We provide cutting-edge, comprehensive care for patients in an academically stimulating, collegial, multidisciplinary environment. You will be exposed to a variety of disease entities, from traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, to status epilepticus, viral/bacterial meningitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Unique to our state, we do encounter many patients with Moya-Moya disease, familial cerebral cavernous malformations and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Our 24-bed Neurocritical Care Unit uses sophisticated multimodal monitoring to tailor individual patient treatments.

Program Goals & Objectives

Upon completion of the Neurology Pre-Residency Training Program, graduates will be able to:

• Obtain an accurate and complete medical history through interviews and review of medical records
• Perform a comprehensive neurological exam, including the brainstem and comatose exam
• Perform common ICU procedures under appropriate supervision
• Understand mechanism of action and application of frequently used medications
• Interpret and read CTs and MRIs
• Interpret common neurodiagnostic tests
• Recognize and manage common neurological disorders, including neurological emergencies
• Obtain certification in Emergency Neurological Life Support
• Understand and differentiate the diverse neurologic disorders seen in various patient populations
• Participate in mentored research activities and clinical trials

Pre-Residency Benefits

The University of New Mexico offers highly competitive salaries and tremendous benefits to our residents and fellows. An overview of salary, benefits and employment eligibility is available at the GME office website.

How to Apply

We will be accepting applications for our July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, positions, beginning February 1, 2025. We anticipate interviewing suitable candidates at the end of March 2025. Applicants must be eligible for medical licensure in the state of New Mexico.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following documents to our program coordinator

• USMLE Step 1/2/3 and/or ECFMG certification
• Medical school transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• At least two letters of recommendation from faculty members you have worked with.