Neurocritical Care Fellowship
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship at OHSU offers two UCNS-approved tracks to train neurointensivists. Both programs permit certification in Neurocritical Care and allow fellows to sit for the NCC boards. The traditional 24-month track welcomes fellows with a variety of backgrounds, including Neurology and Anesthesia. The 12-month track is open to fellows with Critical Care training in Anesthesia, Pulmonary or Medical Critical Care or Neurosurgery.
The Neuroscience ICU at OHSU is a 17 bed ICU with a strong educational balance of General Critical Care, Neurology and Anesthesia. Our attendings in Anesthesia and Neurology share coverage 24/7 and the Neurocritical Care fellows are joined each month by two or three Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary or Anesthesia fellows; an optimal blend of clinical experience that emphasizes the unity of ICU medicine.
OHSU has the Primary Stroke Center certification from JCAHO and an Interventional Radiology program that performs over 140 mechanical thrombectomies per year. Our fellows are encouraged to participate in these programs as electives, or spend several months gaining particular expertise in these fields.
Our OHSU Neurocritical Care Fellowship also has a research track for immersion into basic science as well as a Masters of Clinical Research track and simultaneous MBA and MPH programs that our fellows may choose to optimize career options.
Clincal exposure
- 17 bed dedicated Neurosciences ICU (expanding); average census: 22
- Busy high-risk neurosurgical practice
- 150 subarachnoid hemorrhage admissions/year
- 400 ischemic stroke admissions/year
- 140 endovascular stroke interventions per year
Ample opportunities for ICU procedural experience with central venous catheter placement, intubation, bronchoscopy, arterial lines, and lumbar punctures
Superb cerebrovascular neurosurgery, vascular neurology and interventional neuroradiology programs
Major referral center for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Northern California for critical neurologic diseases (encephalitis, status epilepticus, neuromuscular)
Research opportunities
Excellent basic science: OHSU ranks in the top 1% among academic institutions in NIH support of basic neuroscience research.
Excellent clinical science: OHSU is a top enroller in virtually every major clinical trial of therapies for stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and interventional neuroradiology.
Mentorship: Research mentorship available from Neurology, Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and the OHSU Graduate Neurosciences Program.
Teaching
- Formal didactic lectures series for neurocritical care and multidisciplinary critical care medicine
- Diverse clinical perspectives, with faculty from Neurology, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine
- Electives available in Anesthesiology, Postsurgical Intensive Care Medicine, Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Interventional Neuroradiology, Trauma Intensive Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Critical Care, Infectious Disease, Palliative Care and many more
Portland living
Oregon is a place of outstanding beauty and culture.
A cosmopolitan city, Portland is renowned for food, arts, music, and nightlife. It’s also a family-friendly community with excellent schools and vibrant neighborhoods.
Portland enjoys mild winters and fabulous summers. Mount Hood, wine country, hiking, and the Pacific Ocean are within an hour-and-a-half or less of downtown Portland.
Fellowship summary
Visiting residents
Open positions
We have one open position for a July 2023 start date, applicants are encouraged to email Kim Pfunder (pfunderk@ohsu.edu) for more information. Applicants for the July 2024 cycle can apply through the SF Match.
Application requirements
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement
- Medical School Transcript/MSPE (we will accept copies directly sent from residency program coordinator)
- USMLE Scores (we will accept copies directly sent from residency program coordinator)
- 3 letters of recommendation (4 is maximum, including one from residency program director)
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
Interview process
Interview invitations will be extended via e-mail. Prospective fellows typically meet with the department chair or vice, three neuro-intensivists, one mid-level provider, one member from the nursing staff, and a current fellow. We aim for one full day of interviews and usually candidates are able to return home that evening.
Contact for questions
Kimberly B. Pfunder
Education/Program Coordinator
Department of Neurology
pfunderk@ohsu.edu