Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rotation schedule like?

The PGY 2-4 years are divided into rotations of four weeks each, totaling 13 rotations per year, or 39 in all.  They are distributed approximately as follows:  18 adult inpatients (Stroke Service, General Neurology Service, Night Float, Neurocritical Care), 10 electives, 3 pediatric neurology, 3 epilepsy service including video EEG, 1 psychiatry (on the Consultation Liaison service in our own hospital), 1 research, 3 for vacation. 

What is the format of the program?

There are four residents per year. The residency is “advanced,” meaning it comprises resident from years PGY-2 to PGY-4.

Is there a night float rotation?

Yes! We have a night float rotation. The rotation is 2 weeks long and done by PGY2 and PGY3 residents.

Is there a PGY-1/ preliminary year offered for this program?

YES! We are very pleased to announce that we are now able to offer linked PGY-1 positions for all four residents who match with us.  For the past three years, we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and they have trained many residents during their intern year.  Working closely with their program director, Dr. Christian Engell, we are now excited to offer this outstanding training opportunity to all 4 residents who match with us. NBI is part of the RWJ Barnabas Health System, and Rutgers Health Graduate Medical Education and has a reputation for excellence in many fields of medicine both as a tertiary care center and a community hospital.  Preliminary interns receive excellent training, with a wide variety of rotations on medical floors, intensive care units and ambulatory clinics.  The prelim interns will also spend 4 weeks in inpatient and outpatient Neurology under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Khalid Tabbarah, The NBI Chief of Neurology.   

You will not need a separate interview to be eligible for this preliminary year position.  Further details will be discussed during in the interview day.

Do we consider International Medical School Graduates?

Yes! We welcome strong IMG candidates to apply to our program.  We have had many excellent IMG graduates of our program, including several prior chief residents.  Please note that IMG applicants who match in our program have generally had extensive US clinical experience prior to applying for residency.   We realize that the COVID pandemic makes it more difficult for IMG applicants to obtain US clinical experience.  Rest assured, we will review your application holistically.

Do we consider DO graduates?

Yes! Our program usually has at least one DO graduate per year. We accept either COMLEX or USMLE scores.

Do we have a maximum interval since medical school graduate?

Yes, we generally only interview applicants who are about to graduate from medical school or who have graduated within the last 5 years.  However, applicants with additional post-graduate (fellowship) training, clinical research training, advanced degrees or extensive US clinical experience are encouraged to apply even if they have been out of medical school for more than 5 years.

Do we have a minimum USMLE or COMLEX score?

No, but most successful applicants to our program have passed Step 1 on their first attempt and have scores at or above the national average.  If you needed more than one attempt to pass Step 1; we prefer to also see a passing score on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge prior to match.

Is there dedicated time for research?

Yes!  Our program requires that each graduate complete a scholarly project during their 3 years of residency. Scholarly projects can come in many forms including quality improvement projects, case reports, education methods, book chapters and many others.  All residents can take at least one 4 week-block for research.  Residents who show an exceptional interest in research, are permitted to take a second 4-week block for research with the support of their research mentor.

Is there a formal mentorship program?

Yes! All incoming PGY-2 residents are assigned a faculty member who will meet with them regularly. PGY-3 and 4 residents generally work with the program director to establish a mentor in their chosen sub-specialty.

What electives are available?

Elective blocks can be spent in a wide variety of areas.  Most residents use this time to sample various subspecialties that are less well-represented on the inpatient floors.  Electives are available in multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, neuromuscular disease, neuro-ophthalmology, epilepsy, neuro-otology, neuro-oncology, additional video EEG, neurophysiology, pain management, sleep medicine, neurosurgery, headache, neuropathology, neuroradiology, brain injury rehabilitation and noninvasive cerebrovascular diagnosis.  Residents also have the opportunity to rotate in an outpatient private practice.  Away electives are also available if you are unable to find a comparable rotation at RWJUH.

What is the call schedule like?

Night float covers from 8pm to 7am 6 days a week.  There is a long-call resident that covers the late afternoon until night float starts.  On the weekend, a PGY2 or 3 resident will cover a 24 hour call on Saturday and a 12 hour day call on Sunday.   A short call day resident works on the weekend to help care for already admitted patients.  The call obligations become progressively lighter as a resident moves up through their training.  The senior resident on the stroke and general consult services take home call during the week until 10pm.

How do I apply?

We only accept applications through ERAS.

Is this program linked with the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School neurology residency program?

No, we are two different residency programs.  However, Dr. Jalbut is the department chair for both departments and a few faculty members see patients at both locations or have collaborative academic efforts with the NJMS department.   With virtual learning, we have combined our grand round schedule again for this academic year.