|
Program Description
Neuromuscular disorders affect the function of muscles due to problems
with the peripheral nervous system (muscles and nerves) rather than
the brain and spinal cord.
Mayo Clinic's Neuromuscular Disorders (Muscle Disorders) Fellowship
Program offers one year of advanced training in the laboratory and
clinical diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders. This
training program is designed for individuals planning a career in
academic neurology with a focus on investigative and consultative
practice of neuromuscular diseases.
A second year of fellowship may be considered depending on your clinical and research interests and long-term career goals.
During the Neuromuscular Disorders (Muscle Disorders) Fellowship,
you will:
- Evaluate patients with all forms of muscle and
neuromuscular junction disease.
- Participate in the laboratory evaluation of
patients.
- Gain experience with muscle biopsies.
- Be instructed in enzyme histochemistry, immunocytochemistry
and elements of electron microscopy so that you will be able to
recognize pathologic deviations from normal.
- Design treatment for patients presenting the
full spectrum of neuromuscular diseases.
- Learn the indications and interpretation of
muscle biopsies and prepare your own formulation.
- Design and complete a research project related
to muscle disease.
Although the emphasis is on acquiring special competence in the
diagnosis and management of muscle diseases, you also will be encouraged
to attend nerve biopsy-reading sessions, peripheral nerve conferences,
muscle conferences, a didactic course on electromyography and weekly
EMG conferences.
After learning the basic laboratory techniques, you will be encouraged
to initiate a research project. A large collection of muscle biopsy
teaching slides and a very extensive collection of reprints on muscle
diseases are available to you during your fellowship.
Certification
When you successfully complete the Neuromuscular Disorders
(Muscle Disorders) Fellowship Program and have read 100 muscle biopsies,
you will be eligible to become certified in Muscle Pathology.
Program History
The Neuromuscular Disorders (Muscle Disorders) Fellowship
at Mayo Clinic in Rochester was established in 1976. Since that
time, approximately 30 fellows have completed their training in
this program. Going forward, it is anticipated, that one fellow
will complete this program annually.
|
