Movement Disorder Fellowship

The Houston Methodist Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology is proud to offer a one-year fellowship in Movement Disorders. Fellows will be trained clinically through direct patient contact with inpatient consultations and in the department outpatient Movement Disorders Clinic.

Fellows will learn to evaluate and manage disorders including but not limited to Parkinson's disease, dystonia, spasticity, tremor, restless legs syndrome, atypical parkinsonian disorders, Huntington’s disease, chorea, Tourette's syndrome, ataxias, hemi-facial spasm, Wilson’s disease, stiff person syndrome, stereotype, paroxysmal dyskinesia, myoclonus, and functional movement disorders; also, learn to treat other conditions associated with movement disorders including dementia, depression, anxiety, impulse control disorder, psychosis, emotional lability (pseudobulbar affect), orthostatic hypotension, constipation, urinary difficulties (urgency, nocturia, incontinence), sleep disturbances (REM-behavior disorder, hypersomnolence, interrupted sleep), among others.

In addition to learning medical evaluation and management of movement disorders, fellows will be expected to become proficient in:

• The administration of botulinum toxin, including patient selection, dose and drug determination, and muscle selection
• Deep brain stimulation interrogation, adjustment and management, including patient selection and concurrent medical management, and spending time in the operating room during the implantation of deep brain stimulation
• Adjustment and management of baclofen pumps, including patient selection and concurrent medical management

In addition to the primary role within our Movement Disorders outpatient clinic, Fellows will interface with:

• Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry faculty regarding movement disorders emerging in primary psychiatric conditions, and management of psychiatric symptoms (mood and behavior) in primary movement disorders
• Cognitive Neurology faculty regarding the diagnosis and management of cognitive and language disturbances that associate with or develop in patients with movement disorders
• Neurosurgery faculty in the context of interventions for movement disorders, especially selection, evaluation, and management of patients with deep brain stimulation, baclofen pumps, and other stereotactic procedures
• Neuroimaging faculty (MR, CT, DAT, PET) regarding patterns in movement disorders

For the Movement Disorders Fellowship, Houston Methodist offers one position annually through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applications must be submitted through the San Francisco Match (SF Match) – Residency and Fellowship Matching Services. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and will be scheduled by invitation only.

Criteria

Candidates are required to have successfully completed an accredited residency in adult neurology before the start of the fellowship. All applicants must complete the SF Match application and include:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• USMLE Transcript, or COMLEX in lieu of USMLE for DO students
• ECFMG Status Report, if applicable

Responsibility

Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.

Drug & Tobacco Screening: Applicants will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If an applicant tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Applicants wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded.

If the applicant tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for the drug screening may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.

Background Check: Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.