Program Overview

Introduction to the Neurological Surgery Residency Program

The University of Iowa Neurosurgery Residency Program is a seven-year ACGME-accredited program committed to providing the highest quality surgical and scientific training to graduating medical students who have shown the greatest potential to be future leaders of academic neurosurgery.

Program Overview

The intent of the program is to develop world-class neurosurgeons. Residents are expected to develop clinical competence by assimilating the teaching provided by the faculty, maintaining an active reading plan for neurosurgical sciences, practicing their clinical and surgical skills, and attending the educational activities offered by the program.

Program Structure

• The program is designed in accordance with ACGME core competencies.
• Residents who complete the program are eligible for certification by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).
• Residents are periodically assessed throughout the seven-year program.

Program Director's Message

Welcome to the University of Iowa Neurosurgery Residency Program. As Program Director, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to help shape the next generation of neurosurgeons. The program offers unmatched opportunities in clinical care, research, and professional development, preparing future leaders, innovators, and educators in academic medicine.

Program Highlights

• Residents receive rigorous, hands-on training across every neurosurgical subspecialty, including complex cranial and endovascular cases, spine, tumor, functional, pediatric, and peripheral nerve surgery.
• The program emphasizes technical excellence, clinical judgment, professionalism, communication, and teamwork.
• Research is an integral part of the program, with residents encouraged and supported in pursuing scholarly work in basic science, translational, clinical, and outcomes-based research.

Program Culture

What distinguishes the University of Iowa Neurosurgery Residency Program is a culture of collaboration, respect, and excellence. The program's graduates leave fully prepared for independent practice and equipped with the skills to lead in academic, research, and clinical arenas.