Child Neurology Residency

Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles

The primary goal of the child neurology residency program is to create exceptional child neurologists. The majority of the program trainees have pursued careers in clinical academic pediatric neurology, with a few going into private practice.

Our aim is to train Child Neurology Residents in comprehensive diagnosis and management of both common and rare neurological conditions affecting neonates, children and adolescents. Although all clinical care is supervised by child neurology attendings, it is expected that the Child Neurology Resident will become progressively more capable of independent decision making as training progresses, ultimately becoming able to provide comprehensive neurologic care of very complex, critically ill children. Adult neurology training is provided via the USC Adult Neurology Residency program, based at LAC-USC and University Hospital.

Specific goals include training Child Neurology Residents in specific skills needed in the practice of neurology, including (but not limited to) clinical electrophysiology (EEG, EMG, NCVs, evoked potential studies), neuroradiology, neuropathology, psychiatry, neuroopthalmology. Child Neurology Residents are expected to understand the appropriate management and application of ancillary therapies such as pediatric neurorehabilitation, neuropsychological and psychometric testing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavior modification.

Child Neurology Residents are expected to acquire clinical research skills including, but not necessarily limited to, clinical research design, data collection, biostatistical analysis, presentation at meetings, and manuscript preparation. They will become competent teachers, taking increasing responsibility for the 4th year students, lecturing to pediatric housestaff, and presenting neuroscience seminars. The Child Neurology Resident will be familiar with community resources, particularly for handicapped children and adolescents, including (but not limited to) schools, Regional Centers, public programs for supportive care and therapy, and community voluntary organizations.

For those with potential interest in a career including basic science research, elective rotations to provide bench research time are available.

Candidates must have completed two years of a pediatric residency in a US or Canadian program. Senior medical students are encouraged to apply at the same time they are applying for their pediatric residency, but applications from residents further along in their pediatric training or those who have completed pediatric residency will be entertained if openings are available. International graduates must complete two years of a US or Canadian pediatric program and may apply after they have assured a place in such a program and have arranged for appropriate visa status and work permits. Apply to Wendy G. Mitchell, M.D., Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, Division of Neurology, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90027. Email: wmitchell@chla.usc.edu