Program Overview

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Adult Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Fellowships

The combined two-year fellowship provides extensive exposure to both a large volume of epilepsy surgery cases and the latest advanced techniques, including stereo-EEG, neurostimulation devices, and MEG. With strong mentorship, fellows in our program are immersed in exceptional clinical training and advance the field of epilepsy through research.

Unique Features

Our combined two-year CNP & Epilepsy Fellowship prepares trainees for successful academic careers in epilepsy. As home to three NAEC Level 4 Epilepsy Centers and one of the nation's largest stereo-EEG programs, we offer robust experience in advanced diagnostics, surgical evaluation, and management of complex and refractory cases. Fellows gain hands-on training in neuromodulation therapies, including VNS, RNS, and DBS, and work within a multidisciplinary team alongside epilepsy-trained neurosurgeons. With mentorship from NIH-funded faculty engaged in post-traumatic epilepsy, long-term EEG monitoring, and memory network research, fellows benefit from an immersive research experience that spans basic, translational, and clinical science.

Combined Two-Year Fellowship

Our combined fellowship training is optimal for candidates preparing for academic activities in a tertiary center. With guidance from renowned experts in the field, second-year fellows have the opportunity to complete an independent research project for presentation at a national meeting and publication. Trainees have the flexibility to begin their combined fellowship with either Clinical Neurophysiology or Epilepsy, followed by the other in the second year.

Program Specifics

Clinical Training

The Clinical Neurophysiology curriculum integrates clinical experience with hands-on electrophysiologic testing across a wide range of patient populations, including those seen at Dallas County's safety net hospital, Parkland Health. The Epilepsy year offers specialized training in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy with an emphasis on the medical and surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, pharmacologic, and investigational therapeutic management.

• Inpatient Epilepsy at Clements University Hospital: Fellows spend 20-24 weeks at this 12-bed Level 4 adult EMU, which has an sEEG program.
• Inpatient Epilepsy at Parkland Health: Fellows spend 20-24 weeks at Dallas County's safety net hospital, which has a 12-bed Level 4 adult EMU and serves a diverse patient population.
• Inpatient Epilepsy at Children's Health: Fellows spend 4 weeks at this 8-bed, Level 4 pediatric EMU during their epilepsy year.
• Epilepsy Clinic at Parkland Health: Fellows work with faculty for a weekly continuity clinic.
• Responsive Neurostimulation Clinic at Parkland Health: This monthly fellow-run clinic provides hands-on experience working directly with an engineering team from Neuropace to review patient data and create a programming strategy for each patient.
• Selective time: Fellows in their CNP year must select either Neuromuscular or Sleep Medicine.
• Elective time: 4 Weeks for fellows in their Epilepsy year.

Didactic Training

Didactics provide our trainees with time to reflect on clinical nuances, discuss recent discoveries and changes in guidelines, learn from complex cases, and take a thoughtful approach to building human connections with our patients.

• Daily: Teaching rounds involve structured, case-based discussions led by attending epileptologists.
• Weekly:
  • Epilepsy Surgery Conference: A multidisciplinary fellow-run conference in which a patient being considered for surgical treatment of epilepsy is presented.
  • Stereo-EEG Conference: Run by our sEEG faculty specialist, Dr. Podkorytova, or by the fellow rotating on the dedicated sEEG rotation under Dr. Podkorytova's guidance.
  • Departmental Grand Rounds: All faculty, APPs, residents, and fellows join departmental grand rounds in person to hear from leading national experts.
• Monthly:
  • Neurophysiology Lecture Series: A comprehensive lecture series designed specifically to develop critical skills necessary for the diagnosis, management, and research of epilepsy disorders.
  • Journal Club: Provides a collaborative forum for trainees and faculty to critically review and discuss current scientific literature relevant to the epilepsy specialty.
• Yearly:
  • July Boot Camp: For new incoming fellows, during which trainees are free of clinical duties and have an opportunity to review all the basics of EEG, Epilepsy, Status Epilepticus, Neonatal EEG, Pearls & Advice for being on call, among other topics.
  • Epilepsy Fellowship In-service Training Examination (EpiFITE): An epilepsy-specific examination that assesses trainee knowledge and serves as practice for the ABPN epilepsy boards.

Research Opportunities

The Epilepsy section is actively involved in advancing translational and clinical research. Our division provides a rich academic environment and diverse mentorship opportunities that support their scholarly growth. Fellows have the opportunity to showcase their work at the Annual Neurology Research Day, where poster sessions are evaluated to provide constructive feedback to prepare fellows for national meetings.

• Rare genetics and mechanisms of epilepsy: Judy Liu, M.D., Ph.D., wet lab
• Brain physiology in TBI: Kan Ding, M.D.
• Novel tracer development and neuro-imaging in Epilepsy: Eliane Kobayashi, M.D., Ph.D.
• Late-onset Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease: Rodrigo Zepeda, M.D.
• Stereo-EEG and surgical outcomes: Irina Podkorytova, M.D.
• Genetic epilepsy in adult medicine, medical education, and artificial intelligence: Irfan Sheikh, M.D.
• Magnetoencephalography: Sasha Alick-Lindstrom, M.D.
• Memory and brain physiology: Bradley Lega, M.D. (epilepsy trained surgeon)
• Gene therapy: Rachel Bailey, Ph.D.

Program Leadership & Application Information

Program Directors

• Alexander Doyle, M.D.: Program Director, Epilepsy Fellowship
• Rodrigo Zepeda, M.D.: Program Director, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship

Requirements

Applicants must have completed neurology residency training at an ACGME-accredited program and possess a current Texas Medical License. Foreign medical graduates must be ECFMG-certified and eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship.

Application & Typical Timeline

Applications are generally accepted 24 months before the anticipated start of training through the ERAS portal. We participate in the NRMP national match program.

• November: Applications are open
• Fall & Winter: Interviews occur throughout
• April: Rank lists are submitted, followed by Match

Current Fellows

Second Year Fellows

• Abdulrahman Bukhari, M.D.
• German Garza-Garcia, M.D.
• Hrishikesh Dadhich, M.D.
• Melissa Huynh, M.D.

First Year Fellows

• Justine Ker, M.D.
• Ramya Krothappally, M.D.
• Trung Nguyen, M.D.