The block diagram is a representation of the rotation schedule for our fellows in a given year. It offers information on the type, location, length, and variety of rotations for that year.

We strive to provide fellows a balanced educational experience that will successfully prepare them for independent clinical practice and board certification in Vascular Neurology.  

In addition to core rotations, fellows may request time for elective experiences in several fields.

We will work to customize the fellow’s experience to align with their goals for future clinical practice after fellowship.

There are two stroke services. Stroke 1 = manages the inpatient strokes. Stroke 2 = manages consults, inpatient code strokes and daily ER admissions as well as outpatient transfers. Each stroke service is staffed with an attending an several neurology residents. This system decongests the services and allows time for teaching and proper patient care.

The main rotation is the inpatient stroke service. The fellow attends the service an average of 4-5 months a year. During that time, the stroke fellow serves as a link between the stroke attending and the senior and Junior neurology residents. Patients are admitted to the dedicated stroke unit, as well as in the surgical and neuroscience intensive care unit (SNICU). Rather than a hands-on patient experience, the fellow’s role is to supervise the work of the neurology residents. The stroke attending gives gradual autonomy to the fellow, which includes leading stroke round and code stroke activations. The goal is to prepare the fellow for successfully managing an academic or private practice stroke service.

The Neurointerventional Surgery (NIS) program at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) is among the most robust in the nation. It boasts a high volume of procedures performed with state-of-the-art devices and techniques, led by experienced faculty who provide comprehensive training, patient management, and didactic opportunities. As the only comprehensive stroke center in the State of Iowa, UIHC routinely handles complex cases and maintains numerous national and international collaborations with leading centers. Fellows benefit greatly from the close partnership between the stroke and NIS teams, as both groups co-manage patients. This strong collaboration is reflected in UIHC’s pioneering role in pivotal trials, such as DEFUSE 3 and SELECT 2, among others.

During this one-week rotation, fellows gain  experience with essential neurosurgical procedures, including external ventricular drain (EVD) placement, hemicraniectomy, and the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and post-traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The fellowship offers a variety of elective rotations to accommodate the diverse interests of each fellow, ensuring a personalized training experience. Every fellow is encouraged and supported in pursuing elective opportunities that align with their learning goals. Current electives include:

• Neuroradiology: Enhance imaging interpretation skills.
• Palliative Medicine: Work alongside the palliative care team to gain experience in managing complex end-of-life discussions and care planning.
• Echocardiography: Collaborate with cardiology attendings to review echo cases, observe echocardiographic procedures, and learn both transthoracic and transesophageal techniques.
• Rehabilitation: Learn about rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients, including practical training in administering Botox.
• Self-Study/Research: Engage in a research project or self-directed study under mentorship, following approved objectives and a structured plan.

Stroke fellows will acquire ample experience in the outpatient management of complex cerebrovascular cases and determining best strategies for stroke prevention through clinics that are supervised and staffed by a vascular neurologist. Fellows do a ½ day clinic during their elective or secondary stroke 2 week.

Stroke fellows get exposure to code strokes and telemedicine stroke consultations throughout the whole fellowship. The stroke call frequency is higher during the inpatient stroke months. There is gradual autonomy with constant stroke attending support. The goal is to be comfortable taking stroke call in a busy academic or private institution.