Adult Neurology

Step Outside the Box

In 2020, under the direction of our new Department Chair, Elan D. Louis, M.D., we took the opportunity brought on by change of leadership to re-evaluate our adult neurology residency program. This opportunity allowed us to step back, think outside the box, and envision and develop a new path for our program. The committee was directed to not place limits on the vision, and after nine months of meetings and careful deliberation, developed a new architecture for residency training comprising six pillars:

  • Self-Directed and Individualized
  • Curated
  • Intensive
  • Full-Spectrum Clinical Experience
  • Humanistic
  • Outpatient

Self-Directed and Individualized

Although we have a formal structure and framework to guide our residents through training, we recognize and respect that each person has her/his individual interests and career goals. Our residents can focus on areas of special interest and are given the latitude to explore, discover, and develop individual interests as they self-style their own experience. Our program directors work closely with residents to guide them to an appropriate mentor, taking advantage of all the opportunities UT Southwestern and the surrounding region have to offer.

Curated

A three-year training experience designed by the trainee with supportive advice from faculty mentors, advisers and program directors. Flexibility begins as early as the intern year, and while there are ACGME guidelines to follow and top-down directives to honor, there is an equal recognition of the needs, interests and focus of trainees.

Intensive

The UT Southwestern neurology residency program is a hands-on experience. Our residents are participants, not witnesses who elsewhere might stand back and observe faculty taking care of patients. Residents who are engaged, conscientious, and passionate about neurology and patient advocacy thrive here. We firmly embrace the concept of “see one, do one, teach one.” You will leave this rigorous program knowing you are an excellent neurologist who can handle anything.

Full-Spectrum Clinical Experience

At UT Southwestern, we are not a “one hospital training program.” We provide a clinical experience in three distinctly different settings:

This provides expansive knowledge of the full spectrum of neurological disease, the resources afforded to broad patient populations, and various inpatient and outpatient practice models.

Humanistic

People make the difference, and our residents are the crown jewels who make our program what it is. We are a family that looks out for one another. Our focus on people is centered on good doctoring and sensitive, patient-centered care. In addition to covering a wide range of neurological topics, our didactic curriculum includes core training in “the art of neurology” and a thoughtful approach to building human connections. These are the intangibles that are traditionally learned with experience but are not explicitly taught. We help residents develop life skills during formal training – skills that are frequently minimized at other institutions. These are the intangible skills of good doctoring.

Outpatient

Residency programs at most institutions, including UT Southwestern, emphasize the inpatient training experience, but neurology is largely an outpatient specialty. Therefore, we expose our trainees to greater degrees of outpatient experiences. We balance the wealth of inpatient opportunities with the numerous clinical subspecialty clinics we have to offer. Our diverse and accomplished faculty have many subspecialties, allowing residents to have rotations and/or elective opportunities in a variety of disciplines.

The Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern is privileged to have the resources, facilities, and myriad clinical experts to provide each of our patients the care every human being deserves. The scope of innovative scientific work taking place at this institution is truly incredible and inspiring. We are a warm and supportive program.

Come join us!


Program Years

Postgraduate Year 1: Integrated Internship 
Postgraduate Year 2: Introduction to Neurology 
Postgraduate Year 3: Mastering Your Skills 
Postgraduate Year 4: Becoming a Neurologist 
Optional Tracks 
Research Opportunities 
Teaching Conferences 
Core Rotations & Electives 
Group photo
Program Directors and Residents