Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship

A man undergoing therapy with the help of a robotic exoskeleton and a therapist at a rehabilitation center. The therapist wears a jacket with

About the spinal cord injury medicine fellowship

Shepherd Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship provides you the opportunity to train at a top-ranked neurorehabilitation hospital. This one-year, ACGME-accredited program, in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine, is designed to immerse you in the expertise and mentorship of Shepherd Center’s spinal cord injury specialists — renowned leaders in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation.

As a fellow, you’ll have the chance to work with some of the most challenging and complex spinal cord injury cases, with a focus on high trauma, including patients who use ventilators to breathe and those with dual diagnoses. Shepherd Center treats approximately 250 spinal cord injury inpatients annually, offering a high volume of diverse cases that will significantly shape your expertise in this field. Nearly 80% of our spinal cord injury cases are traumatic, giving you the opportunity to work with patients requiring coordinated, complex care and specialized therapies across the continuum.

Recognized as both a Spinal Cord Injury Model System and a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Shepherd Center is at the forefront of innovative treatments, technology, and research in spinal cord injury care — offering you an extraordinary foundation for your career in this specialty.

A male patient is reclining on a padded therapy table, secured with straps. A female therapist in a

Fellowship goals

As a fellow, you’ll gain extensive inpatient and outpatient experience at Shepherd Center, with a weekly continuity clinic integrated throughout the year to deepen your training. You’ll also have the chance to broaden your expertise through consulting and outpatient rotations at top partnering institutions, including Grady Memorial Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, and Emory University Hospital.

Spinal cord injury medicine fellowship application requirements

We offer one 12-month clinical fellowship for individuals wishing to gain extensive experience in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing the full spectrum of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Application

Be part of an inclusive, connected culture that encourages both professional growth and personal enrichment

As a fellow at Shepherd Center, you’ll be a key member of our interdisciplinary treatment team, collaborating with medical staff, patients, families, and administrators to provide exceptional care for complex spinal cord injuries. Your training will be personalized to align with your goals, ensuring a tailored experience that fosters professional growth. You’ll gain clinical expertise while embracing Shepherd Center’s holistic, patient-centered approach, which includes vocational and wellness programs for long-term success. Our commitment to patient satisfaction, reflected in high recommendation rates, means you’ll join a supportive community dedicated to your success.

Graduate Medical Education Experience at Shepherd
A nurse assists a smiling patient in a hospital bed with hand exercises using a foam roller. The room has medical equipment, a wall phone, and a large window letting in natural light.
A doctor, wearing a stethoscope and a name badge, talks to a patient in a wheelchair with a breathing tube. The patient is using medical devices and wearing an arm brace. They are in a sunlit room with various equipment and a window view of trees.
A therapist wearing gloves assists a man using a ventilator in a wheelchair. The man is wearing glasses and looking at a device in front of him. The setting appears to be a bright and supportive care environment.
From intensive care to outpatient rehabilitation, our spinal cord injury medicine fellows experience comprehensive multidisciplinary programs designed for intensive, specialized care, along with access to the latest advancements in spinal cord injury recovery.

Expert mentors guiding your path to clinical excellence and compassionate care

You’ll be mentored by expert faculty and our program director who are leaders in spinal cord injury medicine. Our team combines years of experience with a commitment to guiding you toward clinical excellence and compassionate care. Through hands-on training and personalized feedback, you’ll learn directly from those shaping the field, preparing you to become a leader in spinal cord injury medicine.

  • Headshot of Wes Chay

    Wes Chay

    M.D.
    Program Director of Graduate Medical Education

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