Peripheral Nerve Fellowship
The U-M Medical School Department of Neurosurgery's Peripheral Nerve Fellowship is a comprehensive 12-month training program dedicated to the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. Fellows work directly with expert faculty, participate in high-volume outpatient clinics and operative cases, and gain exposure to the full spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders—including brachial plexus injuries, entrapments, trauma, tumors, and pain syndromes.
A unique aspect of our program is the option to combine the peripheral nerve fellowship with our spine fellowship, allowing trainees to attain CAST certification in both areas.
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How to Apply
Our multidisciplinary approach integrates research opportunities and active teaching roles with medical students and residents. The fellowship is designed to foster both clinical and academic growth, preparing trainees to become skilled specialists and leaders in peripheral nerve surgery.
To apply to the Peripheral Nerve Fellowship program, please send the following directly to both the program director and program administrator:
- Personal statement
- Current curriculum vitae
- Three letters of reference
Curriculum
Our fellowship delivers an immersive clinical, research, and teaching experience focused on disorders of the entire peripheral nervous system—including entrapments, trauma, tumor, brachial plexus, and pain syndromes.
The fellowship is fully integrated within the neurosurgical residency program, designed to enhance rather than detract from resident training. Fellows work closely with neurosurgical faculty and specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to evaluate new patients, review imaging and electrodiagnostics, and offer recommendations for surgical or conservative management.
Clinical Experience
Training spans all phases of patient care: outpatient assessment, surgery, pre- and postoperative management, injections, ultrasound techniques, and long-term follow-up. Fellows participate in over 1,200 clinic visits annually, ensuring broad exposure and hands-on skill development. Teaching opportunities are integral, allowing fellows to mentor medical students and residents.
Fellow participation in clinical cases, teaching, and research enriches the educational environment. Resident case numbers and experiences are carefully monitored, with biannual anonymous surveys ensuring the fellowship’s positive impact. Fellows additionally strengthen the academic and clinical profile of the program, preparing for careers as educators, researchers, and leaders in peripheral nerve surgery.
Research Opportunities
Research is integrated closely with clinical training. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research, collaborate across departments, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Salary & Benefits
We offer highly competitive salaries and generous benefits to our residents, fellows, and advanced trainees. Trainee salary will be commensurate with that of a House Officer at an equivalent level of training based on the HOA contract.
Recent Graduates
- 2021-2022: Yamaan Saadeh
Next appointment: University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine - 2020-2021: Rob North
Next appointment: University of Texas MD Anderson
- 2019-2020: Kevin Swong
Next appointment: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine
Program Leadership
Yamaan Saadeh, MD
Medical School
Noojan J Kazemi, MD, FACS, FRACS
Medical School
Kevin S Chen, MD, FAANS, FCNS
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Medical School
See Where Training Takes Place
We continually work to ensure that our program offers the best possible environment for developing the careers of future leaders of neurosurgical practice and science.
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