Clinical training

The full two-year Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Fellowship is divided into junior (12 months) and senior (12 months) training.

1st year

During the first year (junior), the fellow begins training in the multidisciplinary simulation center to establish initial technical skills. At the same time, the junior fellow is integrated into the multidisciplinary care of all patients with cerebrovascular disorders on the service.

Acquiring basic angiography skills and the fundamentals of neuroendovascular interventions is the primary focus of this year. A radiation safety course also is required at this time. If the fellow's background training is in neurosurgery, he or she is encouraged to enhance his or her individual open microvascular skills during the year. The fellow is welcome to observe and assist in the operating room during open surgical cases.

2nd year

For the second year (senior), the training focus is centered on acquisition of advanced neuroendovascular skills and the ability to use the vast majority of endovascular techniques safely.

When applicable, the senior fellow is in charge of the clinical service, and the fellow is co-responsible for supervising residents and students rotating on the vascular service. The fellow also is in charge of fellowship academic activities and basic administrative tasks.

Didactic training

Routine and weekly clinical conferences, seminars, journal clubs, routine and daily group discussions, and one-on-one teaching are all integral parts of the Mayo educational experience. Various conferences are organized on a weekly basis to enhance the clinical experience of the fellows and advance patient care.

The fellow is expected to attend these conferences:

• Multidisciplinary cerebrovascular conference (once a week)
• Journal club (once a month)
• Teaching rounds (daily)
• Morbidity and mortality conferences (monthly)
• Oral case presentation and discussion
• Peer-group discussion

Additionally, there are multiple departmental and subspecialty conferences held daily throughout Mayo Clinic that are open to all residents and fellows.

Research training

Fellows have opportunities to pursue clinical or basic science research projects with mentors. The group of supervising mentors includes staff neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, and basic scientists.

All fellows are required to be engaged in academic activities. This includes submitting or publishing two manuscripts each year. Fellows are strongly encouraged to submit presentations and abstracts at national and international meetings. When accepted, the fellow is encouraged to present his or her work at these national meetings.

Evaluation

To ensure the fellow's progress in acquiring proficiency and technical skills, performance is monitored throughout the Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Fellowship. Feedback is provided with every interaction or at the end of each procedure.

The fellow is formally evaluated by supervising faculty members on a quarterly basis. A formal meeting with the program director is arranged after completion of formal evaluations to review and discuss them in detail with the fellow's feedback.

In addition, the fellow is asked to evaluate the faculty members and training periodically to ensure that educational goals are met at every stage of the training.