Neurology Residency - Clinical Training

How the Tufts Medical Center neurology residency program is structured

The Tufts Medical Center Neurology Residency Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring it meets rigorous national standards for training excellence. Each year, we offer seven highly competitive residency positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), attracting outstanding candidates from across the country and around the world. In addition to these positions, we reserve one to two spots specifically for highly qualified applicants with government sponsorship, often through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM). This commitment reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse and global community of future neurologists who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our program.

PGY-1: Preliminary medicine year

Residents have the option to complete their preliminary internal medicine year at Beth Israel Lahey Health. These spots do not require a separate interview but must be applied for and ranked through the NRMP supplemental list (#3130140P1 Med-Prelim/Neurology - Tufts Lahey Clinic-MA). This integration provides seamless continuity between preliminary medicine and neurology training.

PGY-2: First year neurology

The second year focuses on developing core clinical neurology skills. Residents gain exposure to a wide range of neurological diseases, with early experience in inpatient and acute care settings at Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health. Rotations include neurology inpatient service, night float, outpatient clinics, and time in the Neely Neuroscience Critical Care Unit. Weekly live patient conferences enrich clinical learning. Residents also complete 9 weeks of continuity clinic and have 4-5 weeks of electives.

PGY-3: Expanding clinical leadership

Third-year residents build on their skills with increased outpatient and elective rotations. They assume leadership roles, such as leading consult teams at Beth Israel Lahey Health and supervising junior residents. Key rotations include neurophysiology (EEG) and neuromuscular medicine/EMG. Residents continue continuity clinics and gain pediatric neurology experience. Vacation time is four weeks.

PGY-4: Senior resident year

The final year allows residents to consolidate clinical skills and take charge of inpatient services at Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health under attending supervision. Senior residents complete required rotations in pediatric neurology and psychiatry, enjoy 8-9 weeks of elective time to refine skills or pursue research, and maintain continuity clinic and vacation schedules.

Continuity clinic

The program uses a 5+1 schedule, where the continuity clinic is scheduled in ambulatory weeks with five sessions over three days. Residents also participate in subspecialty clinics and have access to telehealth visits.

Electives

Elective rotations are available across major neurology subspecialties and related fields. Time can also be dedicated to clinical or basic research projects.

Call schedule

We use a night float system to promote good sleep hygiene and reduce burnout. Night coverage occurs at Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health. A traditional 24-hour call remains on Fridays, primarily covered by the neurocritical care resident. Weekend shifts and call responsibilities are structured to balance continuity of care with resident well-being.

Teaching and education

Residents play a key role in teaching medical students on the ward and consult services. Formal teaching opportunities include instructing neuroscience small groups. Every Friday afternoon is a protected academic half-day, featuring faculty lectures, resident teaching sessions, board reviews, case discussions and clinical simulations. Daily lectures and conferences include morning reports, neuroscience ground rounds, neurophysiology, neuroradiology, neuro-oncology, journal clubs and more. Faculty-hosted monthly journal clubs foster learning and camaraderie.

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