NSURG 420 - NEUROSURGERY CLINICAL

[152 Hours]

The main objective of this elective is to provide extensive clinical exposure to Neurosurgery than is obtainable during the surgery block. Students should be able to recognize an acute neurosurgical emergency and become familiar with the management of: closed head injury, spinal injuries and the management of the unstable spine, Cervical, thoracic and lumbar radioulopathy, subarachnoid, subdural, epidural and intracerebral hemorrhage, carotid occlusive disease and management of TIA’s, and Primary and metastatic intracranial and spinal neoplasia. This clinical clerkship allow students considering a residency in neurological surgery to assist faculty and the current residents in all aspects of the neurosurgery service, as well as interact with faculty from other departments who regularly work with the Department of Neurological Surgery. A clerkship is highly recommended for students interested in applying to Neurosurgery Residency Training Programs. Students become an integral part of the Neurosurgery service, assisting members of the house staff and faculty. Activities include ward and ICU rounds, assisting in the OR, taking night call, and attending grand rounds and other teaching conferences. This rotation amounts to a “subinternship” in Neurosurgery and offers the motivated student an excellent opportunity to contribute to an active Neurosurgery service. The student will share in the work-up and care of patients at West Jefferson Medical Center and University Hospital. The student’s performance in executing clinical responsibilities will be evaluated by the full-time and part-time teaching staff, as well as input from the Neurosurgery residents. No formal written or oral examinations are given at the end of the clerkship.