Program Overview

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Stereotactic, Functional and Epilepsy Fellowship

The one-year, CAST-accredited Stereotactic, Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers comprehensive subspecialty training in functional neurosurgery and epilepsy surgery.

Program Overview

The program closely adheres to the Society of Neurological Surgeons' curriculum for subspecialty training fellowships in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, providing fellows exposure to a diverse range of advanced surgical techniques and innovative treatments.

Why Choose UAB?

As Alabama's largest academic medical center and one of the largest in the United States, UAB draws a high-volume, complex patient population from across the Southeast. The Stereotactic, Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgery Fellowship is structured to ensure that fellows gain expertise in cutting-edge procedures while working alongside nationally recognized leaders in the field.

Functional Neurosurgery

UAB is home to the renowned Comprehensive Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic, recognized as one of only nine nationally designated advanced research centers by the American Parkinson's Disease Association. The center brings together both neurosurgeons and neurologists, with senior faculty members who have authored more than 150 publications in the area of movement disorders.

Epilepsy Neurosurgery

UAB's Level IV Epilepsy Center, the only one in the state, provides comprehensive and advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients with epilepsy. The center includes 17 adult epileptologists and four pediatric epileptologists, who refer patients directly to UAB Hospital and Children's of Alabama (COA) for specialized care.

Institutional Resources and Technology

UAB offers a wide range of advanced resources and technology to support the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) includes a 10-bed facility at UAB and an additional one-bed unit at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, with plans for expansion to 28 beds by mid-2025 in a newly renovated space.

Faculty Attendings and Mentorship

Fellows will primarily train under three expert neurosurgeons, each with subspecialty training from the nation's top institutions in functional and epilepsy neurosurgery:

• Nicole Bentley, M.D. – Residency: University of Michigan | Fellowship: Emory University (functional and epilepsy neurosurgery) under Dr. Robert Gross
• Marshall Holland, M.D., MS – Residency: University of Iowa | Fellowship: Oregon Health and Science University (functional neurosurgery) under Dr. Kim Burchiel; University of Florida (specialty) under Dr. Kelly Foote
• Jasmine Thum, M.D. – Residency: University of California, Los Angeles | Fellowship: University of California, San Francisco (functional and epilepsy neurosurgery) under Dr. Philip Starr and Dr. Edward Chang; Massachusetts General Hospital (peripheral nerve) under Dr. Justin Brown

Fellowship Structure

Fellows will train primarily at UAB under the co-direction of Nicole Bentley, M.D., (movement disorders) and Jasmine Thum, M.D., (epilepsy), with additional training at Children's of Alabama and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Clinical responsibilities will include:

• Participate in the adult DBS service
• Contribute to the development of the pediatric DBS program at both Children's of Alabama and the VA
• Gain experience in radiosurgery, which is expected to transition to focused ultrasound in 2026
• Optional involvement in the Peripheral Nerve Clinic

Application Information

• Fellowship duration: July 1–June 30 (flexible based on residency graduation)
• Now recruiting for: and fellowship terms

Education and Training

The program provides comprehensive training in:

• Residents
• Medical Students
• Surgical Fellows
  • Stereotactic, Functional and Epilepsy Fellowship
  • Endovascular Neurosurgery Fellowship
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship
  • Radiosurgery Fellowship
  • Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Fellowship
• Doctoral Students
• Observerships
• Postdoctoral Research Training
• Global Neurosurgery Program
• Continuing Medical Education
• J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Session and Lecture

Research Areas

The program offers research opportunities in:

• Functional neurosurgery
• Epilepsy
• Facial pain
• Peripheral nerve surgery

Available Systems

The program is equipped with state-of-the-art surgical and diagnostic equipment, including:

• NexFrame
• Leksell
• ClearPoint
• STarFix FHC microtargeting
• Cosman-Roberts-Wells (CRW) frame

Conclusion

The Stereotactic, Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham provides comprehensive subspecialty training in functional neurosurgery and epilepsy surgery, with a focus on cutting-edge procedures and innovative treatments. The program is designed to ensure that fellows gain expertise in a wide range of advanced surgical techniques and technologies, preparing them for successful careers in the field.