Education
Neurosurgery Chief Residentship (PGY-7)
Over the duration of the training program, residents progress from working as supervised patient care providers and surgical assistants to competent practitioners who can function and operate independently with faculty acting as backup support.
Neurosurgery PGY-7 residents must demonstrate competence in all principles of patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism, as well as in all procedures required of the neurosurgery PGY-6 resident prior to progressing to become chief resident. In addition, the resident must obtain a passing grade on the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) written examination.
The PGY-7 neurosurgical experience offers the resident a unique opportunity. During this year, the resident, under strict attending supervision, will engage in a highly diverse set of neurosurgical practices emphasizing the evaluation and management of neurosurgical patients. This includes an extensive outpatient practice, where the PGY-7 resident has the primary responsibility of evaluating and managing all outpatient or surgical problems, including emergencies and transfers from their institutions. An attending neurosurgeon supervises all operating room procedures performed by residents.
The PGY-7 resident also supervises designated junior residents on the cranial team and has a managerial role over the other subspecialties, which include pediatrics and spine. Ultimately, the PGY-7 resident is responsible for all activity in the Department of Neurological Surgery, as it relates to patient care, in addition to fulfilling his or her obligations as the cranial senior resident.
This challenging year requires the PGY-7 resident to interface as the primary neurosurgical specialist with the other services. These interactions are all done with close attending physician supervision, with the goal of empowering the resident to have a seamless transition into the world of being a fully independent, practicing neurosurgeon.