Neurology
The Department of Neurology at New York Medical College (NYMC) is a center of excellence for neurological care, research, and education, housing some of the nation’s foremost experts across all subspecialties of neurology. Our faculty are leaders in the field, committed to delivering cutting-edge care and advancing the science of neurology through groundbreaking research and innovative education.
We provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment for a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including neurocritical care, stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis and neuro-immunology, headache and facial pain, memory disorders, neuro-ophthalmology, neuromuscular disorders, neuro-oncology, and pediatric neurology. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, integrating the latest advances in diagnostics and therapeutics to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The Department is deeply committed to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care. We recognize that neurological diseases impact individuals and communities differently, and we strive to provide personalized, compassionate treatment that considers the unique backgrounds and needs of every patient.
Research
Research is a cornerstone of the Department of Neurology’s mission. Our faculty are at the forefront of clinical, translational, and basic neuroscience research, driving innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. The Department is actively engaged in clinical trials, investigator-initiated studies, and collaborations with national and international research networks, continually expanding the frontiers of neurological science.
The Clinical Neuroscience Research Office provides strategic and operational support for all translational and clinical research efforts within the Department. This office consists of physician-scientists, a research director, and three clinical research fellows, with additional research coordination provided through the WMC Research and Grants Administration. This infrastructure ensures the successful execution of clinical studies by supporting grant preparation and submission, manuscript development, regulatory compliance, protocol implementation, and data analysis.
Over the past five years, the Department has led and participated in numerous national and international clinical trials, investigating novel therapies and advancing precision medicine. In the past year alone, faculty members have published over 100 manuscripts in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, further cementing the Department’s reputation as a leader in neurological research.
The Department's recent strategic partnership with Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, a not-for-profit contract research organization in New Mexico and part of the Touro University System, strengthens our ability to advance basic and clinical neuroscience research. This collaboration will play a key role in developing innovative diagnostics, neurotherapeutics, and translational neuroscience initiatives, particularly in areas such as stroke, neurocritical care, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, neurodegeneration, and neuromodulation technologies.
Training the Next Generation of Clinician-Scientists
The Department of Neurology is deeply committed to mentoring and training future leaders in neuroscience research. Through dedicated programs, medical students gain early exposure to clinical trials, research methodology, and hands-on experience in neurological investigations.
Summer Neuroscience Research Program
The Summer Neuroscience Research Program is an annual research opportunity from May to July for NYMC medical students between their first and second years. This immersive experience allows students to participate in clinical research, receive supplementary neuroscience didactics, develop research skills, and observe neurological procedures in the hospital and operating room. Applications open in the first quarter of the year.
For more information, contact:
Lynda George
Email: lynda.george@wmchealth.org
Clinical Neuroscience Research Fellowship
The Clinical Neuroscience Research Fellowship is a one-year research experience available to medical students after their third or fourth year of medical school, designed for those interested in pursuing a career in neurology, neurosurgery, or neuroscience research. The program focuses on conducting innovative and practice-changing research, supporting a diverse group of clinician-scientists dedicated to improving patient care.
Through this fellowship, NYMC medical students gain in-depth exposure to clinical research, trial development, regulatory compliance, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). They work closely with faculty to develop a robust research portfolio and gain valuable experience in neurological research and patient care.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has established a strong track record of developing students for successful careers in the neurosciences. Applications open at the beginning of the calendar year for a June 1 start date (subject to change based on the academic calendar).
For more information, contact:
Cristina Falo, M.D.
Email: cristina.falo@wmchealth.org or
Fawaz Al-Mufti, M.D.
Email: fawaz.al-mufti@wmchealth.org
Medical Student Education
The M.D. Program Phase 1 pre-clinical Brain and Behavior neurology curriculum is taught by faculty in the Department. This robust curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in neuroanatomy, the principles of neurologic disease, pathophysiology, neuro-ethics, and pharmacology. Instruction is delivered through a variety of multi-modal methods designed to engage diverse learning styles. These methods include large group lectures, small-group discussion sessions, team-based learning (TBL), problem-based learning (PBL), case-based instruction, and laboratory sessions. hands-on simulation, and laboratory sessions. Hands-on simulation training is also provided at NYMC’s state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Center.
Phase 2 of the M.D. curriculum features a required four-week core Neurology Clerkship during which students immerse themselves into both inpatient and outpatient neurology settings. This experience is further enriched through morning report discussions, grand-rounds, specialty conferences, radiology rounds, Chair rounds, and observed structured clinical examination (OSCE). These varied learning opportunities are designed to ensure students develop clinical expertise in neurology and promote their career exploration.
Neurology Electives
The Department of Neurology offers a comprehensive range of elective rotations designed to provide advanced medical students with in-depth clinical experience and specialized knowledge across various neurological subspecialties. These electives aim to advance clinical skills, foster independent learning, and prepare students for a successful career in neurology. Key neurology electives include:
Advanced Neurovascular Disease
This elective immerses advanced medical students in the evaluation and management of neurovascular diseases. Students join a collaborative team of neurovascular residents and fellows at our Comprehensive Stroke Center, where they gain exposure to the full spectrum of stroke care – from hyperacute thrombolysis and neurovascular interventions to neurocritical care and inpatient ward management of complex stroke patients. Under close supervision, students receive graduated training in the nuance of the neurological exam, review diagnostic studies, including CT scans, MRIs, CTAs, conventional angiography, and develop diagnostic impressions and detailed management plans. In addition to clinical experience, students also participate in departmental conferences and teaching sessions. They also attend stroke journal club sessions and learn to critically appraise stroke literature. Many students further contribute to scholarly work, including case reports and involvement in ongoing clinical trials at the center.
Clinical Epilepsy
The Clinical Epilepsy elective provides comprehensive training in the evaluation and management of patients with seizures and epilepsy. Students gain hands-on experience in both inpatienta nd outpatient services, rotating through adult neurohospitalist, consult, and child neurology teams. The rotation offers exposure to a wide range of epilepsy-related conditions, from common seizure disorders to more complex, refractory epilepsy cases. Key components of the elective include hands-on instruction with EEG readings and active participation in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). They participate in case discussions, epilepsy-related education sessions, and also present a capstone presentation on an emerging concepts in epilepsy. This elective aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of both pharmacologic and surgical treatment options for epilepsy, along with exposure to cutting-edge therapeutic approaches.
Neurocritical Care
The Neurocritical Care Elective offers advanced medical students an immersive experience in the management of critically ill neurological patients. Students join a multidisciplinary team in the Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) in a high-volume Comprehensive Stroke Center. This elective introduces students to a broad spectrum of neurologic emergencies including severe stroke, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, rare neuroinfections, and other life-threatening conditions. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced neuro-monitoring techniques, such as intracranial pressure monitoring, continuous EEG, and hemodynamic management, while becoming proficient in interpreting neuroimaging studies. Students also participate in critical care procedures under direct supervision. A key focus of the elective is on the rapid assessment and management of life-threatening neurological emergencies, with opportunities to participate in daily rounds, case discussions, and specialized neurocritical care conferences.
Neurohospitalist
This advanced elective is tailored for fourth-year medical students interested in pursuing a neurology residency. The Neurohospitalist Service at Westchester Medical Center offers a high-volume, fast-paced environment, providing students with invaluable exposure to the management of complex neurological illnesses. Students work closely with attendings, advanced practice providers, and residents, gaining experience in managing a variety of conditions including neuromuscular disorders, neuroinfectious diseases, neuroimmunology, seizures/epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, headaches, and neuro-oncology. This rotation is structured to ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of both common and rare neurological pathologies. Students are given the opportunity to follow patients throughout their hospital stay, from admission to discharge, providing continuity of care and an in-depth view of the diagnostic and therapeutic process. They become more proficient in coordinating care as they work closely with multidisciplinary teams including social work, case management, speech and language pathologist, and rehabilitation teams.
Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO®) Program
The Department of Neurology offers advanced medical students the opportunity to participate in away electives through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®) program. This initiative allows eligible students from accredited medical schools to gain hands-on clinical experience in neurology while working alongside our expert faculty in neurocritical care, stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, neuro-oncology, and other subspecialties.
Through the VSLO® program, students have access to short-term, immersive learning experiences that enhance their clinical acumen, research skills, and understanding of complex neurological conditions. Participants will engage in patient care, interdisciplinary rounds, and mentorship from leaders in the field, with opportunities to participate in ongoing research and quality improvement projects. This experience not only strengthens clinical competencies but also provides a networking pathway for students interested in residency training..
For details on eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and available electives, please visit the AAMC VSLO® website or contact our department’s elective coordinator, Laurel Kossow, at laurel.kossow@wmchealth.org.
Marks Mentorship Society
The Marks Mentorship Society at NYMC is an invaluable resource for medical students pursuing a career in neurology. Named in honor of the late Stephen Marks, M.D., a distinguished neurologist, and dedicated educator, the program embodies his commitment to nurturing future generations of neurologists. This initiative pairs students with experienced faculty mentors who provide guidance, support, and professional development throughout their medical education. The program is further enriched by the participation of neurology residents and alumni, creating a dynamic and supportive society.
The mentorship focuses on a variety of key aspects, including academic advising, research opportunities, career planning, and personal development. Throughout this experience, students gain autonomy, build graduated competence, and form a deeper connection to the field of neurology.
The Marks Mentorship Society is instrumental in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, ensuring that students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed in their neurology careers. Dr. Marks's legacy continues to inspire excellence and dedication within the program, benefiting countless students as they pursue their passion for neurology.
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
The Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) at NYMC provides medical students with opportunities to explore the field of neurology outside of the classroom and clinical rotations. SIGN hosts a variety of events, including guest lectures from renowned neurologists, skills workshops, and networking opportunities. These activities are designed to deepen students' understanding of neurological conditions, current research, and career pathways in neurology. SIGN also facilitates community service projects and educational outreach initiatives, allowing students to engage with the broader community and promote neurological health awareness. Furthermore, SIGN students collaborate closely with the neurology faculty to continue to develop the various educational initiatives for the medical school and regularly contribute to medical education scholarship. Through SIGN, students can develop mentorship relationships with faculty and connect with peers who share a passion for neurology.
Meet the Team
Department of Neurology
New York Medical College
19 Skyline Drive, Room IS-D52
(914) 594-2200
Tracey A. Milligan, M.D., M.S.
Professor and Chair
Laurel B. Kossow
Administrator
laurel_kossow@nymc.edu
