Spine Fellowship

Throughout the fellowship, fellows actively assist and progressively perform surgical procedures including complex revision, deformity, minimally invasive, degenerative, tumor, and all other aspects of spine conditions. The fellowship also emphasizes acquiring decision-making for these conditions with understanding indications for surgical and conservative management of all spine disease. There will also be attendance at outpatient spine clinics, weekly spine conference, spine grand rounds, journal club, and spine research meetings.   

The fellow will also gain practical experience in all aspects of spine instrumentation, navigation, robotics, and other advanced intraoperative imaging techniques. There will also be regular exposure to cadaveric courses and opportunities to present at national and local spine conferences, e.g., including Spine Summit, SMISS, and other meetings. There is a requirement for completion of spine related research projects in collaboration with the fellowship director and faculty, which will also aid in academic career progression.  

Fellows are supervised by the Director of Spine Program and faculty from the Neurosurgery Spine Team. While responsibility for patient care is always guided, fellows progressively gain independence as their skills and knowledge grow. 

Evaluation

Evaluation occurs continuously through oral feedback in clinical, surgical, and inpatient settings, as well as formal written reviews completed every 6 months. Assessment includes medical knowledge, clinical and operative performance, professionalism, communication skills, and proficiency in curriculum content. Upon completion, fellows participate in a comprehensive exit interview and provide feedback about the fellowship.