Applying and interviewing for pedi-neuro

[jollyvulcan]

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So I am still a little confused on the application and interview process for peds neuro.

I understand that peds neuro goes through the SF match and I will definitely need to apply through that for the latter three years of my training. However, since I am a fourth year, I assume I will also have to apply through the regular match (i.e. the ERAS system) for the first two years of peds as well. If anyone has recently been through this process and can shed some light on the particulars I would appreciate it.

Also, I would like to hear about some interview experiences people have had. I understand that most pedi-neuro programs do not have dedicated slots in their respective pediatrics programs for the first two years of training but rather have "hand-shake deals" with their respective pediatrics. I have had two faculty members suggest that candidates are at a disadvantage in their peds interview if they mention they are looking to do peds neuro since this will curtail their pediatrics training essentially depriving the program of third year residents. I am just curious how people have handled this in their interviews.

 

[shinkei]

So I am still a little confused on the application and interview process for peds neuro.

I understand that peds neuro goes through the SF match and I will definitely need to apply through that for the latter three years of my training. However, since I am a fourth year, I assume I will also have to apply through the regular match (i.e. the ERAS system) for the first two years of peds as well. If anyone has recently been through this process and can shed some light on the particulars I would appreciate it.

Also, I would like to hear about some interview experiences people have had. I understand that most pedi-neuro programs do not have dedicated slots in their respective pediatrics programs for the first two years of training but rather have "hand-shake deals" with their respective pediatrics. I have had two faculty members suggest that candidates are at a disadvantage in their peds interview if they mention they are looking to do peds neuro since this will curtail their pediatrics training essentially depriving the program of third year residents. I am just curious how people have handled this in their interviews.

Yes, the whole process certainly is confusing and sometimes frustrating!
You do have to apply separately for neuro through SFMatch and peds through ERAS. This also means double the interviews so it's helpful to coordinate your interviews together and minimize travel.
As for keeping quiet about applying to neuro, it depends on the program. If it is a program that has "hand-shake deals," then you should mention that you interviewed in neuro at your peds interview so they will know to communicate. If they don't have a neuro department or you aren't considering their neuro department, then don't say anything unless they bring it up. Some peds programs with large class sizes actually won't mind you leaving in the third year, their programs are big enough to absorb the loss of a senior. Out of courtesy I cancelled interviews at programs with small class sizes, because they are less likely to be able to "take the hit" of losing a senior in the third year. If you are interested in staying at the same place for all five years, then you probably won't have any issues mentioning neuro. You should also definitely ask if the two years of peds will be "fast track" - condensing the three years down to two - or just a regular two years.
Hope that helps! And good luck!

 

[jollyvulcan]

Thanks for the info.

Your last comment confused me a little. The ABP recently released a policy statement with very specific guidelines re the first two years of training in pedi that are required for people doing pedi-neuro which I am including below as an FYI. I guess I should check with the various programs and make sure that their pedi arms are willing/able to meet these requirements.

Do you know anything about the programs at Cincinnati, OSU, Case, Cleveland Clinic, Wash U, Pitt, CHOP, VCU, Univ of Virginia, Duke, Wake Forest, or UNC?

Inpatient Experience 5 month

ICU Experience 4 mnth
NICU 3 mnth
PICU 1 mnth

Emergency Medicine / Acute Illness
4 (to include 2 months of EM, 1 of which must be a block rotation)

Subspecialty Experience
3 (consisting of 1 month each in 3 different core
subspecialties required by the RRC)
1 (may be a combination of two or more subspecialties
as per the RRC requirements)

Adolescent Medicine 1mnth
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics 1mnth
Normal Newborn 1 mnth
Electives 2mnth
Vacation/Leave 2mnth

Total Months
24

Continuity clinic in general pediatrics is required throughout the 2 years of training. The resident must be responsible for the continuity of care for a group of pediatric patients in the same manner as categorical pediatric residents and in accordance with the RRC requirements.

 

[shinkei]

Thanks for the info.

Your last comment confused me a little. The ABP recently released a policy statement with very specific guidelines re the first two years of training in pedi that are required for people doing pedi-neuro which I am including below as an FYI. I guess I should check with the various programs and make sure that their pedi arms are willing/able to meet these requirements.

Do you know anything about the programs at Cincinnati, OSU, Case, Cleveland Clinic, Wash U, Pitt, CHOP, VCU, Univ of Virginia, Duke, Wake Forest, or UNC?

You will get those requirements in 2 years without fast tracking. I just know that some programs fast track by replacing elective or "easier" rotations in 2nd year with more ward senior experience. I think if you're going into neuro, you don't need to have more ward senior months, you're not going to be doing gen peds. But you should still look at each program's curriculum to make sure you will meet the requirements in two years. I think it's more of an issue if you want to take the peds boards.

I'm sorry I don't know anything about those programs, I mostly focused on the west coast. The only one I considered on your list is CHOP which is excellent, and tends to have a good record with accepting people for all five years.

Good luck!