Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship

The ACGME-accredited clinical neurophysiology fellowship is a one-year clinical training fellowship led by Zabeen K. Mahuwala, MD, FAAN. During the course of the year, the fellow will gain specialized training in the diagnosis and management of central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system disorders using combine clinical evaluation and electrophysiologic testing. Additional training in neuromuscular ultrasound, single fiber EMG, polysomnography, intraoperative monitoring and Botulin Toxin procedure for dystonia and spasticity is incorporated, and there is opportunity for an optional second year of fellowship in epilepsy.

Mission Statement

The mission of the ACGME-accredited clinical neurophysiology fellowship is to provide an organized and comprehensive educational experience addressing aspects of clinical neurophysiology management in inpatient, outpatient, and acute care settings.

Fellowship Aims

Training Model

Fellows will have a wide exposure to adult and pediatric epilepsy and neuromuscular medicine with expert faculty from both disciplines. The education program includes a comprehensive neurophysiology lecture series. There are also weekly clinical conferences for epilepsy surgery, EMG, and didactics on intra-operative monitoring and sleep.

Clinical Experience and Expectations

Under the direct supervision of highly-qualified faculty, fellows will be provided ample time for clinical practice, instruction, and training.  During this time, the fellow is able to develop the necessary skills and positive professional attitudes essential for the highest quality patient care and for independent practice.

Fellows will spend time at Albert B. Chandler Hospital in the epilepsy monitoring unit as well as the associated neurophysiology labs that provide outpatient and inpatient services within affiliated sites of University of Kentucky. Outpatient experience Is offered at the Kentucky Neuroscience Clinic that offers comprehensive care for varying complexities of epilepsy and neuromuscular patients. Fellows completing the program will be board eligible for subspecialty certification in Clinical Neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). An optional second year of fellowship training in epilepsy is available, and optimal for candidates preparing for an academic practice in a tertiary center. The combined two-year fellowship program offers a greater opportunity to become proficient in advanced neurophysiologic techniques. Second-year fellows are expected to complete an independent research project for presentation at a national meeting and publication.

Scholarship Research 

Fellows have the opportunity to participate as co-investigators in ongoing research studies conducted by faculty within the neurophysiology section. These studies may be clinical, basic science, or epidemiologic. Current faculty engaged in basic science or clinical research projects will serve as the trainees’ mentor. Fellows will be encouraged to develop an independent research project; however, given the time constraints of a one-year fellowship program this is not required. Fellows are expected to submit at least one abstract or poster for platform presentation at a local, regional, or national meeting during their fellowship training period. Conversion of an abstract, submitted for platform or poster presentation, to a manuscript for journal publication is encouraged.