Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship

• High volume – Shepherd treats approximately 250 inpatients with spinal cord injuries each year.
• Complex trauma –  Nearly 80% of our spinal cord injury volume is traumatic, and we are uniquely qualified to deliver the kind of coordinated, complex care they need
• Continuum of Care –Customized for each patient, care at Shepherd Center spans our intensive care unit, inpatient rehabilitation, post-acute day rehabilitation programs, and outpatient therapy and clinics to meet patients’ ongoing needs, including vocational and wellness programs.
• Dual Diagnosis –  We have cared for nearly 100 patients who have a dual diagnosis of spinal cord injury and brain injury in the last fiscal year.
• Vent-weaning – With a high volume of high tetra patients (30+), we have a depth of experience and success in vent management and vent-weaning. 
• Outcomes better than national averages – Our patient outcomes, including return-to-community and rehospitalization rates, are some of the best in the nation.
• Patient satisfaction – Our patients are both highly satisfied and highly likely to recommend Shepherd Center.
• Research – In addition to providing nationally-recognized clinical care, we also routinely have 75 active studies, spanning translational, clinical, and user experience research with funders and collaborators from academic institutions, industry partners, government institutions, and foundations, among others.
• Nationally-ranked care and culture – Shepherd Center is one of the top rehabilitation hospitals U.S. News, is a long-time Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) and was named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN. 
   

• Provides direct patient care, including evidence-based assessment and interventions with individuals and families across the continuum of care.
• Completes a research project.
• Develops a strong understanding of the study and application of clinical knowledge and skills on behalf of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions through a variety of didactic training opportunities.
• Maintains ethical, responsible, and professional conduct.
   

Download the PDF of the fellowship schedule.

Applications are due August 15, 2022, and will be reviewed after receiving all application materials. Please send application materials to the program coordinator, Maurice Jackson, at maurice.jackson@shepherd.org.

Candidates will then be offered interviews via video conference as a preference. Onsite visits are not required but may be requested by applicants.

The SCI Medicine Fellowship is open to physicians (US citizens or work eligible) who have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited residency in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, plastic surgery, or urology.

Exceptional applicants from non-ACGME residency programs may be approved to complete a spinal cord injury fellowship; however, only applicants who have completed an approved ACGME residency are eligible for board certification in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Application Materials

SCIM Fellowship Application Form, Personal Statement, Current CV, USMLE and/or COMLEX Scores, Copy of Medical Diploma (and Residency Diploma if applicable), Three (3) letters of recommendation (sent with the application or directly from letter writers).

Is there a salary or annual stipend?

Yes. Annual stipend rates are set by Emory University School of Medicine and will be at the PGY-5 level/rate. Of note, fellows receive stipends monthly. Employment benefits are comprehensive and competitive.

What is the vacation policy?

Each fellow receives 15 days per academic year.

What is the maternity/paternity leave policy?

The policy allows for up to 12 weeks in accordance with FMLA.