As of July 1, 2008 the PGY1 year will be composed of the following rotations.

• three months of general surgery
  • one month transplant
  • one month multi system trauma
  • one month peripheral vascular surgery
• one month of combined neuropathology and neuro ophthalmology
• one month of neuroanesthesia
• three months of neurology
• one month of combined neuroradiology and clinical neurosurgery
• one month of neurosurgical intensive care
• two months of clinical neurosurgery

The three months in neurology are spent learning to perform a complete neurological examination and to diagnose, evaluate and treat basic neurological disorders. This time is split between the hospital inpatient service and the consultation service. One half of the three months is spent at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) and the other half at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County (Stroger). Supervision is provided by Dr. Steven Lewis, program director of neurology at Rush and Dr. Michael Kelly, director of neurology at Stroger.

One month is spent in neuroradiology under the direct supervision of the attending neuroradiologists and Dr. Demetrius Lopes, an endovascular neurosurgeon. During this time residents will learn the basic principles of neuroimaging (CT, NMR, angiography) and participate in the performance of angiograms and interventional procedures.

Critical care exposure during PGY1 occurs in the neurosurgical intensive care unit under the direct supervision of more senior residents and the attending neurosurgeons. Decisions regarding care are the responsibility of the neurosurgical residents in consultation with the individual attending and/or the surgical director of the NSICU, Dr. Lorenzo Muñoz who has fellowship training in critical care or the medical director of the NSIUC, Dr. Richard Temes. All invasive procedures such as A-lines, EVDs, etc. are performed by the residents.

Patient Care
The resident(s) will be able to:

• gather and understand essential patient information in a timely manner
• develop an appropriate differential diagnosis
• implement an effective plan of management
• assist at and perform basic neurosurgical procedures (EVD’s, LP’s, burr holes, etc) under direct supervision
• perfect basic surgical skills
• work with other health care professionals to provide patient-focused care

Medical Knowledge
The resident(s) will be able to:

• develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to formulate principles of care for medical and surgical patients
• know how to access current medical information
• properly utilize acquired patient data

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
The resident(s) will be able to:

• apply knowledge of study design and statistical methods to appraise medical literature
• utilize information technology to enhance their education and improve patient care

Interpersonal and Communication Skills
The resident(s) will be able to:

• demonstrate effective participation in the health care team
• maintain relevant and legible medical records
• strengthen listening and non-verbal communication sills
• develop therapeutic relationships with patients and families

Professionalism
The resident(s) will be able to:

• treat patients, family and staff with respect
• demonstrate reliability
• accept responsibility
• exhibit knowledge of limitations

System-Based Practice
The resident(s) will be able to:

• advocate and facilitate patient care
• practice cost effective health care
• understand basic medical practice systems and how to utilize them
• to provide the best possible care