Introduction to the Behavioral Neurology Training Program

The UCSF Behavioral Neurology Training Program (BNTP) is a two-year program designed to prepare physicians for a career focused on research and patient care for individuals with cognitive and behavioral impairments resulting from neurological diseases. The training is based on the principles of behavioral neurology, particularly brain-behavior relationships, and understanding the use of additional testing to fully characterize a patient’s problem, including many experimental approaches, from experimental cognitive testing to advanced imaging.

Program Overview

The BNTP mostly trains neurologists but has trained physicians in other relevant fields, such as psychiatry and geriatric medicine, and welcomes applications from these disciplines. The program is certified by the United Council on Neurologic Specialties (UCNS). Fellow supervision and evaluation are provided by the Program Director, Howard Rosen, MD, and Co-Director, Bruce Miller, MD (Director of the Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center), in addition to research advisors chosen by the trainee.

Training Environment

Training primarily occurs through the multidisciplinary Fein Memory and Aging Center Clinic and research program, which is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders resulting from neurodegenerative diseases. As part of the UCSF Department of Neurology, which comprises over 100 faculty members, the Fein MAC maintains strong collaborative relationships with other clinical programs and with basic scientists, ranging from molecular biologists to cognitive neuroscientists, both at UCSF and other institutions in the Bay Area.

Research Areas

Research conducted through the Fein MAC employs a range of techniques, including extensive clinical assessments, experimental paradigms derived from neuroscience and psychology, functional and structural neuroimaging, gene expression studies, and proteomics. These techniques are applied to many clinical populations, including patients with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and parkinsonian dementias.

Program Structure

The first year focuses on building expertise in three areas:

1. Principles of brain-behavior correlation
2. Clinical manifestations of brain disorders affecting cognition and behavior, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases
3. Development of clinical skills for evaluation of cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, including interpretation of neuropsychological and behavioral data.

Clinical Experience

This clinical experience is crucial for a research career in behavioral neurology, as clinical assessment is at the core of diagnosis for both clinical and research purposes. Clinical problems also help set the goals for a research agenda and generate novel research hypotheses. Clinical experience at the Fein MAC is supplemented with weekly didactic conferences and rotations through the major clinical research venues.

Second-Year Focus

During the second year, clinical activities are reduced (about one to two days per week), with the rest of the time being devoted to research.

Research Education Component

Through the Research Education Component (REC) of the UCSF Alzheimer’s Disease Center, our program also provides BNTP fellows with exposure to topics such as health economics, policy, and biomarker research while ensuring appropriate grounding in basic science. The REC supports leadership training and balanced multidisciplinary mentoring from both basic science and clinical research faculty.

Application Process

Applicants for the Behavioral Neurology Training Program must have completed a residency in neurology, psychiatry, or other relevant specialty and have a license to practice medicine in the United States.

• The program does not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories or proxies for protected categories in the selection process.
• Applications are due by April 30 of each year for applicants intending to start in July of the following year (applications are due 14 months before the intended start date).
• Earlier applications are accepted and encouraged.
• After reviewing the applications, qualified candidates will be invited to interview with members of the training program to learn more about the clinical and research environment at UCSF.

Additional Support

In recognition of the higher cost of living in San Francisco, a housing stipend is available to fellows in the Behavioral Neurology Training Program.

Professional Training Opportunities

Other professional training opportunities available include:

• Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI)
• Postdoctoral Program in Brain Health Research
• Research Education Component of the UCSF Alzheimer’s Disease Center
• Neuropsychology Training Program
• Neurobehavioral Rotation Program
• International Visiting Scholars
• US Visiting Students

Conclusion

The UCSF Behavioral Neurology Training Program offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to training the next generation of leaders in behavioral neurology, providing a unique blend of clinical and research experience that prepares fellows for successful careers in this field.

University of California San Francisco

---

Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

---

Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

---

Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

---

Other: