Welcome
The Cleveland Clinic Neurology Residency Program is a premier resident-centric training program that provides learners with unparalleled opportunities to develop the skills necessary to excel as clinical neurologists, educators, and researchers. The program provides a supportive and innovative learning environment. The curriculum includes broad exposure to key areas of inpatient and outpatient neurology while maintaining flexibility to individualize clinical and research experiences based on each resident’s goals.
A diverse patient population offers challenging clinical experiences spanning the spectrum of neurological diseases. Our multidisciplinary model of care provides collaborative, patient-centered care emphasizing teamwork, communication, and safety. Residents are highly engaged in efforts to improve quality of patient care through assessment of patient outcomes.
Our categorical training program includes early exposure to neurology with three months of neurology and one month of psychiatry during the first year of internal medicine training. Our inpatient services focus on increasing autonomy and responsibility throughout residency to promote the development of confidence, independence, and leadership skills. A unique subspecialty longitudinal clinic ensures all residents have similar learning experiences. Residents are provided with seven months of elective time, beginning in the PGY-2 year, to explore areas of potential interest. Additional opportunities include dedicated learning time in Neurophysiology and Pathology.
Faculty members from every subspecialty of neurology are committed to providing exceptional clinical education and research mentorship. All faculty and residents have opportunities within the Cleveland Clinic to further develop teaching skills through formal curriculum that includes experiential learning. A research support structure ensures that every resident can contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of neurology.
Outside of clinical training, we also strive to promote a culture of wellness for our residents. We know personal and professional development are imperative for growth during and even long after residency. We have several resources available to promote well-being for our residents through our dedicated wellness curriculum. Though we are a large training program, we aim to cultivate a strong culture of camaraderie and support. Our program takes pride in being responsive and understanding of the need for flexibility for life events.
Kerry Levin, MD
Chair, Department of Neurology
MaryAnn Mays, MD
Vice Chair of Education
Associate Program Director
A. Blake Buletko, MD
Program Director
Program Leadership
A. Blake Buletko, MD |
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MaryAnn Mays, MD |
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Robert Marquardt, DO |
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| Payal Soni, MD |
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| Lindsay Ross, MD |
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Lori Cesa |
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Additional Program Leaders
Benjamin Claytor, MD
Residency Director for Consultation Neurology
Dhimant Dani, MD
Residency Co-Director for Advanced Skills Training
Catherine Hassett, DO
Residency Co-Director for Advanced Skills Training
Allison Weathers, MD
Residency Director for Information Technology
Dolora Wisco, MD
Residency Director for Quality and Patient Safety
Research
Our residents have numerous research opportunities across diverse subspecialities. We support residents in their personal interest in research, including quality clinical, translational, and basic science research, as well as quality improvement and medical education research, and we encourage each resident to become involved to the degree they choose. Our resident-staff mentorship program and bi-annual meetings with program leadership ensure each resident has support in selecting enriching research opportunities while balancing clinical growth. To facilitate early exposure, research electives may begin in PGY2 year and continue throughout residency. Each resident completes a PGY3 project in close collaboration with a chosen mentor, with funded statistical support. Several noon seminars are dedicated to fundamentals of research, with structured support and project review given to each trainee. Residents of any year are able to present their work at the Neurologic Institute Fellows & Trainee Research Day, a celebration of work across departments within the institute. Residents have access to travel funds, often used for the annual AAN meeting, as well as a variety of subspecialty conferences. Statistical courses geared toward resident needs and schedules are offered by Cleveland Clinic Quantitative Health Services.
Curriculum
Program Description
The Neurology Residency Program, which is ACGME-accredited, accepts candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). There are twelve categorical positions offered per year in our four-year program, including an integrated prelim internal medicine year at Cleveland Clinic.
First Year of Residency (PGY-1)
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) requires that the PGY-1 year be spent in an accredited medical training program. Our categorical program seamlessly integrates this introduction to medicine during the PGY-1 year while also fulfilling other ABPN requirements such as the psychiatry rotation. This year also includes three months on stroke, general and consult neurology services to facilitate integration into the neurology department. To learn more about the Internal Medicine Residency program.
First Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-2)
During PGY-2 year, the focus is on direct patient care in the inpatient and outpatient setting. The inpatient general neurology team consists of a senior neurology resident (PGY3 or PGY4), junior neurology residents, and medical students. The inpatient stroke team consists of senior neurology resident (PGY3 or PGY4), junior neurology residents (PGY2 or PGY1), a medicine resident, three APPs, and medical students. Cleveland Clinic uses a 5+1 week system, which means five weeks of hospital-based rotation followed by a week of outpatient subspecialty clinics including Friday continuity clinic.
Second Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-3)
During PGY-3 year, 10 weeks per year are dedicated to managing the three inpatient services, which includes general neurology, stroke, and adult consults. Senior residents also spend time as our neurohospitalist, which includes triaging the neurology consult pager. You will also spend a few weeks as the first responder to in-house and ED acute stroke (ASERT rotation). Other rotations include night float, neuro ICU (NICU), epilepsy, and pediatrics. The remaining time is split between electives and ambulatory clinics. The 4+1 week system is continued PGY-3 and PGY-4 year, which means four weeks of hospital-based rotation followed by a week of outpatient subspecialty clinics including Friday continuity clinic
During PGY-3 year, you will spend ten weeks in a clinical neurophysiology rotation. A two-month EEG/epilepsy rotation features an in-depth course covering EEG, evoked potentials, and surgical treatment of epilepsy. Residents read EEG records, attend staff reading sessions and epilepsy outpatient clinics. A two-week rotation in the EMG laboratory includes didactic sessions, as well as hands-on experience in the techniques of nerve conduction studies and needle electrode examinations.
Third Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-4)
During PGY-4 year, about 5 weeks per year are dedicated to managing the general neurology and adult consults services. Interested PGY-4 residents spend additional time rotating on the inpatient stroke service. There is a neuropathology course (8 weeks) where residents can work directly with our neuropathologists. Residents also spend 4 weeks doing regional neurology as a consultant in a community hospital. Similar to PGY-3 year, other rotations include time as the neurohospitalist, ASERT rotation, night float, neuro ICU (NICU), epilepsy, and pediatrics. An optional, more intensive 8-week EMG/neuromuscular course is also available, during which residents get even more hands-on experience with electrodiagnostics. The remaining time is split between electives and ambulatory clinics. The 4+1-week system is continued PGY-3 and PGY-4 year, which means four weeks of hospital-based rotation followed by a week of outpatient subspecialty clinics including Friday continuity clinic.
Elective Rotations
Trainees in Neurology can choose from a vast array of elective rotations. Residents with particular research interests may use multiple blocks of elective time to devote to specific projects. For special academic pursuits, residents may spend elective time away from Cleveland Clinic, upon approval from the Program Director. The below electives are the most commonly selected, but other electives, including those outside of CCF, are available. Alternative rotations can be completed with support from the Program Director, the Chief Residents, and the staff supervising the elective.
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Fellowship Programs
- Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry (Las Vegas and Cleveland)
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Clinical Neurophysiology, EEG & Epilepsy
- Epilepsy
- Headache Medicine
- Movement Disorders
- Neurocritical Care
- Neurohospitalist
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Neuro-Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
- Vascular Neurology
- Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Fellowship
Conferences/Didactics
The Cleveland Clinic Neurology Residency Program offers an extensive schedule of didactic and continuing medical education lecture series and conferences for trainees and staff.
Neurology Noon Conference
The noon hour is protected time for resident education. These hour-long sessions occur in a variety of formats, as described below. Suggested reading, seminar slides and video recordings from each session are made available to residents to guide self-study and board preparedness.
Staff Lectures
Staff provide interactive seminars based on their area of expertise and cover diagnostics, management, social determinants of health, and case-based approaches of a particular disease state. These seminars are grouped by neurology subspecialty, covering all disciplines of neurology in detail over the course of each academic year. Prior to the start of each subspecialty module, residents are provided with recommended literature (topic reviews, landmark papers, textbook selections) to guide reading and consolidate knowledge.
Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)
Monthly EBM sessions are led by junior residents, guided by the expertise of a staff liaison chosen for each discussion. These sessions are a deep dive into the body of scientific literature behind the clinical questions that are commonly encountered in neurology practice. The focus is finding evidence-based answers for these questions.
Localization Rounds
Residents discuss a challenging or informative case in detail, focusing on clinical aspects that help localize the problem within the nervous system. During these sessions we cover clinically relevant anatomy and its relationship to the neurological exam. PGY2 residents are the main participants in the case discussions, as localization skills are essential to a foundation in clinical neurology.
Senior Case Conference
Each month a PGY3 senior resident presents a particularly challenging and educational case that was encountered on hospital service or in clinic. These are often cases that were seen at multiple institutions before a diagnosis was achieved. The case is followed by an in-depth review of the disease entity which was ultimately uncovered.
Subspecialty Conferences
Weekly discussions are held among various disciplines in Neurology. These occur in a highly collaborative environment where clinical topics and real-life cases are highlighted. These include the following:
- Cerebrovascular Center Patient Management Conference
- Autoimmune Neurology Conference
- Epilepsy Patient Management Conference
- Pediatric Neurology Neuroimaging Conference
Other Weekly Conferences
- Neurology Grand Rounds
- Epilepsy Grand Rounds
- Pediatric Neurology Grand Rounds
- Tumor Board
Other Monthly Conferences
- Neurology Journal Club
- CNS Vasculitis / Vasculopathy Conference
- Neurology Quality / Patient Safety Conference
- Monthly Meeting with Program Director, Department Chairman and Residents
- Resident Wellness Series
Schedules
PGY-2 Schedule Overview
Inpatient Rotations
- Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 8 weeks
- General Neurology: 8-9 weeks
- Night Float: 3-4 weeks
- Adult Neurology Consults: 3-4 weeks
- Neuro ICU: 2 weeks
- Epilepsy: 4 weeks (2 adult, 2 peds)
- Pediatric Consults or Outpatient Clinic: 2 weeks
Outpatient Rotations
- Subspecialty Clinics: 7-8 weeks
- Elective: 10-11 weeks
- Vacation: 4 weeks
PGY-3 Schedule Overview
Inpatient Rotations
- Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 4 weeks
- Acute Stroke Neurology: 2-3 weeks
- General Neurology: 2-4 weeks
- Night Float: 3 weeks
- Neuro ICU: 3 weeks
- Adult Neurology Consults: 2-4 weeks
- Epilepsy (Adult only): 2 weeks
- Pediatric Consults or Outpatient Clinic: 2 weeks
- Neurohospitalist: 2-4 weeks
Outpatient Rotations
- EMG Course: 2 weeks
- EEG Course: 8 weeks
- Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks
- Elective: 8 weeks
- Vacation: 4 weeks
PGY-4 Schedule Overview
Inpatient Rotations
- Acute Stroke Neurology: 2-3 weeks
- General Neurology: 2-3 weeks
- Night Float: 2-3 weeks
- Adult Neurology Consults: 2-3 weeks
- Epilepsy (Pediatric only): 2 weeks
- Pediatric Consults: 4 weeks
- Regional Neurology: 4 weeks
- Neurohospitalist: 2-3 weeks
Outpatient Rotations
- Neuropathology: 8 weeks
- Subspecialty Clinics: 9-10 weeks
- Elective: 12 weeks
- Optional EMG/Neuromuscular Course: 8 weeks (of elective time)
- Vacation: 4 weeks
Application Process
Our ACGME-accredited Neurology Program accepts candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Supplemental ERAS. There are twelve positions offered per year in our four-year categorical program (PGY-1 to PGY-4) which includes a required first year in Internal Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. There is no need to apply separately to Internal Medicine. We welcome applicants from allopathic, osteopathic, and international medical schools. Cleveland Clinic sponsors both J-1 and H-1B visas.
Preferences
- We prefer a PASSING score on USMLE I and USMLE Step II >225
- We prefer COMLEX scores Steps I and II >500
- Applicants may submit either USMLE or COMLEX results; taking both tests is not required
- We prefer that applicants have graduated from medical school within the past 5 years
Minimum Requirements
- International Medical Graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate by rank list submission
- International Medical Graduates must have at least one month of U.S. clinical experience (includes acting internship or observership)
- U.S. Medical Students must have passed USMLE I and sat for the USMLE II by November of the year applying through ERAS
We begin accepting applications in September per the ERAS timelines. Early application is encouraged. Interviews are offered after a holistic in-depth review of the application. Prospective candidates are contacted via Thalamus to schedule a virtual interview. Our interviews typically occur in November, December, and January.
Program Contacts
A. Blake Buletko, MD
Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave / S80
Cleveland, OH 44195
MaryAnn Mays, MD
Associate Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave / C21
Cleveland, OH 44195
Lori Cesa
Residency Program Manager
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave/S100A
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.218.5209
Email: [email protected]
Current Residents
Education has been an integral component of Cleveland Clinic's mission since its inception in 1921. As a part of that overall commitment to education, below are the recognized current neurology residents who value the importance of providing the highest quality of medical care.
Adult Neurology Residents
Chief Residents
Albert Aboseif, DO |
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Annalisa Morgan, MD |
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Carol (Carrie) Swetlik, MD |
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PGY-4 Residents
Kimberly DiMauro , DO |
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Aron Gedansky, MD |
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Merry Huang, MD |
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Avery Kundrick, MD |
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Zachary McKee, MD |
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Karlo Toljan, MD |
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Andrew Zhang, MD |
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PGY-3 Residents
John (Dan) Bireley, MD |
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Marie Byrnes, DO |
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Eric Dunn, DO |
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Patrick Gilson, DO, MHA |
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Jonathan (Will) Handshoe, MD |
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Jeffrey Lambe, MD |
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Emily Maly, MD |
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Maria Sokola, MD |
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Faez Syed, MD |
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Sanem (Pinar) Uysal, MD |
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PGY-2
Joseph Conway, MD |
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Jessica Cooperrider, MD, MS |
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Benjamin Coors, MD |
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Vijaya Dasari, MD |
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Katherine Havard, MD |
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Morgan Heber, MD |
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Kaitlyn Palmer, MD |
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Adam Ross, MD |
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Daniel Swearingen, MD |
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Price Tipping, MD |
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Hayley Williams, MD |
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Eric Zhou, MD, MPH |
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PGY-1
Eric Aube, MD |
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Shervin Badihian, MD |
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Tyler Bare, MD |
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Sakhi Bhansali, MBBS |
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Johnny Dang, MD |
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Jonathan Doan, MD |
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Sanuri Gunawardena, MD |
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Farah Khan, DO |
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Andrew (Andy) Lamade, MD, PhD |
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Elizabeth Page, MD |
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Damla Sarisaltik, DO |
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Emery Weiss, DO |
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Scholarship for Underrepresented Students
The Cleveland Clinic offers scholarships to underrepresented students in medicine so that they may participate in a four-week clinical rotation to learn firsthand what it is like to be a neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic and to learn about our culture. In line with the program’s mission to develop the future clinical, academic, and educational leaders in neurology, the goal of this scholarship is to further enhance the diversity of our trainees and graduates. A $2,500 stipend and free on-campus housing will be provided to successful applicants. Interested students can get details by visiting the CCLCM Elective Program website or email [email protected].
Benefits
Competitive health, dental and vision insurance are provided. Disability insurance is also included. Multiple sets of scrubs and white coats are provided free of charge. Call money to be used at the cafeteria and in-house eateries is allotted to each resident according to the average number of calls per PGY year. Senior residents (PGY3 & 4) are permitted to moonlight on the Neurology, Epilepsy and NICU services. Residents are provided with the opportunity to attend national meetings to present their research, with financial support from the department. The department also sponsors junior membership in the American Academy of Neurology for all residents. Four weeks are allotted for vacation each year, which includes a one-week holiday block. Our residents are given a $500 educational fund to be used towards books or other learning resources during their training. The on-campus Library is accessible virtually. References include 8000+ clinical texts, 900+ journals. Cleveland Clinic offers a Health Fitness Center on campus at employee reduced rates as well as many resources available to you to support your health and well-being.
Additional Program Benefits
- Resident Educator and Researcher Tracks
- Women in Neurology Trainee Council
- Community Outreach Education
- Career Coaching/Mentoring
Wellness
Individual well-being is a key component of physician satisfaction and success in training. Our program is committed to improving the well-being of our neurology residents and understands how personal and work stresses can impact quality of life and the ability to provide skillful and compassionate care. We aim to support and empower our residents both inside and outside of the hospital by providing resources and education targeting all aspects of life including physical, emotional, social, and professional wellbeing. Our Wellness Committee is resident-led and organizes a monthly conference that addresses resident-selected topics, hosts fun activities and games, and allows residents to enjoy a well-deserved break during the day to form stronger connections with their classmates. Our resident-led Social Committee organizes regular holiday parties, family-friendly outings, and sporting events outside of the hospital. Some of our residents’ favorite activities include participating in our summer beach volleyball team, pot-luck dinners, and the annual resident retreat. Our faculty are also committed to resident wellness and often host residents at their homes for dinners and journal clubs.
Cleveland Clinic as an institution also prioritizes resident wellness and provides additional resources such as Caring for Caregivers, which provides free compassionate and confidential support for employees, including residents.
Alumni
Our graduates pursue a wide variety of career options including but not limited to: academic sub-specialization, research, neurohospitalist roles, and private practice. Below, we have listed graduates from our last three graduating classes and their immediate post-graduation career paths. It is important to note that while many of our graduates may ultimately practice throughout the country and world, they always have a home here at the Cleveland Clinic.
2022 Graduates
Moein Amin - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Nirmal Andrapalliyal - Neuromuscular Fellowship, Wake Forest
David Baker - Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Pradeep Chandan - Epilepsy Fellowship, University of California San Diego
Andrew Dhawan - Neuro oncology/genetics, CCF
Jeremy Hill - Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Joshua Rim – Neuromuscular Fellowship, Mt. Sinai, NYC
Joshua Santucci - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Aaron Shoskes - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Univ of Miami
Kristopher Southard - Stroke Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis
2021 Graduates
Alise Carlson- Neuroimmunololgy Fellowship, CCF
Jennifer Chima– Headache Medicine Fellowship, CCF
Tracey Fan– Neurocritical Care Fellowship, MGH
Eric Gruenthal– Sleep Medicine Fellowship, CCF
Ahmad Mahadeen– Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Bhagee Maulpur– Stroke Fellowship, Univ of Miami
Megha Purohit– Stroke Fellowship, Columbia
Danielle Richards- Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Monica Scarsella– Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Michael Zatt- Headache Medicine Fellowship, CCF
2020 Graduates
Peter Brown – Regional Neurohospitalist, CCF
Sam Handshoe – Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Katie Hassett – Neurocritical Care Fellowship, CCF
Jean Khoury – Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Ibrahim Migdady – Neurocritical Care Fellowship, MGH
Matt Ritch – Private Practice Neurologist, FL
Lindsay Ross – Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Liz Spurgeon – Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Andrea Welborn - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Chen Yan – Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Living in Cleveland
Cleveland, an ethnically diverse, mid-sized city located on Lake Erie, features a host of cultural attractions, recreational activities, major sporting events and an exploding culinary scene. Cleveland is home to the second largest theater district in the U.S., a park system featuring 23,700 acres in 18 reservations, and is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, home to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Cleveland Clinic is located near the University Circle area, which is the cultural epicenter of Cleveland. This area features Severance Hall and the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, several other museums, and Case Western Reserve University. Downtown Cleveland, home to all major sports venues and an exploding culinary scene, is approximately two miles from Cleveland Clinic’s main campus.
