The neurology residency at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine is based on the guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Specialty of Neurology. Upon completion of the program, the resident will be eligible to submit credentials for examination and certification in neurology by ACVIM.
The neurology/neurosurgery residency program at the University of Georgia is a three-year certificate program. There are currently three residents in neurology. The position will afford the resident the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience and acquire diagnostic skills in a wide variety of areas within neurology and neurosurgery. The residency is in large part a clinical oriented program. There is some opportunity to participate in clinical and basic science research. The Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery has a busy service in neurology and neurosurgery. Job responsibilities include both primary care as well as assisting faculty and other house officers with medical and surgical neurology cases. Neurosurgical cases include a variety of procedures: decompressive surgery (hemilaminectomy, ventral slot, (dorsal) laminectomy), a variety of stabilization procedures involving internal fixation, and craniotomy/craniectomies.
Residents work under the direct supervision of ACVIM board certified neurology faculty. The resident will help facilitate the admission of cases, the performance of diagnostic tests, including cross-sectional imaging, and the treatment of the patients. The diagnostic equipment available to the neurology service includes state-of the-art imaging (128 slice CT unit, and 3.0 T MRI unit) and electrophysiology equipment. The University of Georgia has onsite radiation therapy capabilities (Triology; linear accelerator with IMRT / stereotactic capabilities and onboard imaging) There will be an opportunity to gain experience with exotic and large animal patients. Primary intake of emergency neurology cases is provided by the UGA Emergency and Critical Care service. Neurology residents share on-call duty wherein the resident on duty provides backup support for the ER service.
This necessitates on-site evaluation wherein the on-call resident is expected to provide in-person evaluation and guidance for the Emergency service. Dedicated journal clubs and didactic rounds are provided weekly which fulfill ACVIM requirements. Additional rounds and participation with other services such as anatomic pathology (neuropathology rounds), clinicopathology, and radiology are incorporated in resident directed learning activities as a part of the residency training. Additional rounds includes resident directed topic rounds aimed at preparing all ACVIM resident for the ACVIM general examination. Other responsibilities will include instruction of fourth-year veterinary students on the neurology service, participation in informal topic discussions, and presentation of a seminar for faculty, house officers, and veterinary students (Grand rounds).
Dr. Marc Kent mkent1@uga.edu