Medical students interested in pursuing a career in neurosurgery are encouraged to complete a rotation through the Department of Neurosurgery. Rotating students will acquire core clinical knowledge around the wide variety of acute and chronic neurological conditions and develop skills that are applicable to a number of specialties within neurosurgery.
Rotation opportunities in the Department of Neurosurgery are offered through the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.
*Participating in a neurosurgery rotation does not guarantee an interview with the UAB Neurosurgical Residency Program.
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UAB Heersink School of Medicine Students
Acting Internships
The neurosurgery acting internship is a four-week rotation designed for fourth-year medical students interested in applying for a neurosurgical residency.
This internship is composed of four, one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric service lines.
Students are expected to participate in the following:- Didactic activities: In each service, students will participate in morning “pre-rounds,” conferences, OR, clinics and other didactic activities.
- On-call shifts: Students are on-call six times per month, including two weekends. While on-call, students are expected to perform a history and physical exam, present cases during rounds and assist in the OR.
- Presentations: Students are asked to prepare one, 10-minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during an afternoon conference.
Students interested in neurology, critical care or general surgery/trauma may also benefit from this rotation.
Elective
The neurosurgery elective is a four-week rotation designed for fourth-year medical students who are pursing non-neurosurgical fields, but desire specific exposure to neurosurgical topics.
This elective is composed of four, one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric service lines, but can be tailored to individual interests.
Students are expected to participate in the following:- Didactic activities: In each service, students will participate in conferences, OR, and other didactic activities.
- Presentations: Students are asked to prepare one, five-minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during a daily or weekly conference.
Participating in on-call shifts is encouraged, but not required, and is left to the discretion of students in fulfilling their educational goals.
Selective
The neurosurgery selective is a four-week rotation designed for third-year medical students exploring careers in neurosurgery.
This internship is composed of four, one-week assignments tailored to the individual interests of the student, as advised by faculty or a chief resident.
Students are expected to participate in the following:- Didactic activities: In each service, students will participate in conferences, OR, and other didactic activities.
Participating in on-call shifts is encouraged, but not required, and is left to the discretion of students in fulfilling their educational goals.
Students who decide to pursue a career in neurosurgery are encouraged to also rotate through the neurosurgery acting internship. -
Visiting Medical Students
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is proud to participate in the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) program.
The neurosurgery visiting student rotation is a four-week rotation designed for fourth-year medical students interested in applying for a neurosurgical residency.
This rotation is composed of four, one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric service lines.Students are expected to participate in the following:
- Didactic activities: In each service, students will participate in morning “pre-rounds,” conferences, OR, clinics and other didactic activities.
- On-call shifts: Students are on-call six times per month, including two weekends. While on-call, students are expected to perform a history and physical exam, present cases during rounds and assist in the OR.
- Presentations: Students are asked to prepare one, 10-minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during an afternoon conference.
Eligibility:
- Fourth-year medical student enrolled and in good standing at an accredited U.S. allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) medical school
- Must have successfully passed USMLE Step 1
- Completed application via the VSAS program
- Current CV
Interested students should contact Marshall Holland, M.D., at mtholland@uabmc.edu, four to six months in advance of the planned start date.
Due to limitation of resources, visiting student rotations are restricted to students and graduates of U.S. medical schools.
If accepted to participate, students will be contacted prior to the start of the rotation with orientation, planning and scheduling information.