Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship at UConn/Hospital for Special Care is to train eligible adult and pediatric neurologist and physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors to gain subspecialty expertise in neuromuscular disorders. Graduates of the program will serve to advance the science and understanding of nerve and muscle abnormalities. They will also provide state-of-the-art diagnoses and care for patients with nerve and muscle disorders.

Fellows who complete the program will acquire expertise in the evaluation and management of patients with nerve and muscle pathology. This includes skills in the interviewing and examining patients with neuromuscular complaints, knowledge of the appropriate laboratory investigations for diagnosis of nerve and muscle problems and expertise in the management of these conditions. Fellows will also become proficient in the interpretation of nerve and muscle biopsies; performance and interpretation of electrodiagnostic studies.

Aims

Our primary aim is to train competent and compassionate neuromuscular specialists and help them develop the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the field in neuromuscular medicine. To meet this goal, we provide:

  1. Exposure to all aspects of neuromuscular medicine through multiple training sites, up-to-date instruction in electrodiagnostic testing and patient care utilizing best practices and a comprehensive didactic curriculum of neuromuscular medicine and neurophysiology.
  2. The clinical skills and cognitive tools to practice evidence-based neuromuscular medicine, to analyze their own practice for meeting quality measures, to participate actively in improving patient safety, and to provide culturally competent care.
  3. Research opportunities into the neuromuscular disorders affecting our regional population, involvement in clinical trials, participation in multidisciplinary care teams and active involvement in resident and medical student education.
  4. A work environment that allows the fellow time to explore their interests, focus on study of neuromuscular disease and attend to well-being and self-care.