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The leap from neurology residency to attending brings a critical decision - fellowship training or direct practice? In this compelling episode, Harvard neurologists Dr. Galina Gheihman and Dr. Denis Balaban share their contrasting post-residency paths, offering a roadmap for trainees wrestling with their next career steps.

This conversation offers honest, practical guidance for navigating the post-residency landscape. Whether you're considering fellowship, direct practice, academic medicine, or industry roles, you'll gain valuable perspective on aligning your next steps with your true professional passions.

• Transitioning from resident to attending involves complex role adjustments, especially when supervising former colleagues
• Establishing clinical independence requires navigating new responsibilities in outpatient care and deciding when to manage vs. when to refer
• Early career physicians lose the built-in cohort of training years precisely when facing critical career decisions
• Building support networks through regular check-ins with division chairs and connecting with fellow educators becomes essential
• Medical education lacks structured preparation for the business aspects of medicine including salary negotiation and career advancement
• Embracing uncertainty and having honest conversations with patients about complex cases is integral to neurology practice
• The most fulfilling aspects of attending life include the teaching-clinical intersection and helping patients navigate fear and uncertainty

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Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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The leap from neurology residency to attending brings a critical decision - fellowship training or direct practice? In this compelling episode, Harvard neurologists Dr. Galina Gheihman and Dr. Denis Balaban share their contrasting post-residency paths, offering a roadmap for trainees wrestling with their next career steps.

Dr. Gheihman opted to bypass traditional fellowship, instead pursuing a "primary care neurology" role while simultaneously earning a master's in medical education. Her candid perspective on readiness resonates deeply: "You aren't confident, but you are competent - and there's a difference." For those intimidated by independent practice, she provides practical strategies for managing the transition and emphasizes that general neurology remains a fulfilling, academically rich career path.

Meanwhile, Dr. Balaban shares his journey through multiple fellowships, including a rare industry-sponsored position that offered unprecedented insights into pharmaceutical medicine. His behind-the-scenes look at clinical trials, drug development timelines, and the physician's role in industry pulls back the curtain on career possibilities rarely discussed during training.

Both neurologists tackle the challenging question of whether three years of residency adequately prepares physicians for the growing complexity of neurological care. They explore innovative educational models, from specialty tracks to competency-based approaches, while emphasizing the critical importance of strong mentorship in visualizing diverse career paths.

This conversation offers honest, practical guidance for navigating the post-residency landscape. Whether you're considering fellowship, direct practice, academic medicine, or industry roles, you'll gain valuable perspective on aligning your next steps with your true professional passions.

Don't miss part two of this illuminating discussion, coming soon to the Neurophilia podcast. Subscribe now to continue exploring the transition to attending life with our experienced guests.

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! Today's episode is a continuation of our "Neurology in Residency" series. We cover the final year of neurology residency, commonly known as PGY4 year.  Make sure you listen to the full episode!

Guests:

Dr. Weige (Charlie) Zhao is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Dr. Marinos Sotiropolous is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Dr. Stephanie Reyes is a fourth-year neurology resident at Duke Neurology in Durham, NC.

Dr. Aakaash Patel is a fourth-year neurology resident at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr, Price Tipping is a fourth-year neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.   

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! Today's episode is a continuation of our "Neurology in Residency" series. We cover the third year of neurology residency, commonly known as PGY-3 year.

We discussed the PGY-3 structure and expectations of this clinical year across various residency programs. Our guests shared incredible stories from this year of training, highlighting areas of growth and inner turmoil. Make sure you listen to the full episode!

Guests:

Dr. Weige (Charlie) Zhao is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Dr. Marinos Sotiropolous is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Dr. Stephanie Reyes is a fourth-year neurology resident at Duke Neurology in Durham, NC.

Dr. Aakash Patel is a fourth-year neurology resident at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr, Price Tipping is a fourth-year neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.   

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! We are joined by four neurology residents to discuss the first two years of residency training. Stay tuned to listen to our conversation regarding PGY-2 year!

Guests:

Adnan Husein, MD is a PGY3 resident at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. Follow him on Twitter: @AdnanHuseinMD.

Katherine Bruch, MD is a PGY2 resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Ashley Audi, MD is a PGY2 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleyaudi22

Sakhi Bhansali, MD is a PGY3 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @DrSakhii

Our Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! We are joined by four neurology residents to discuss the first two years of residency training. Stay tuned to listen to our conversation regarding intern or PGY-1 year!

Guests:

Adnan Husein, MD is a PGY3 resident at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. Follow him on Twitter: @AdnanHuseinMD.

Katherine Bruch, MD is a PGY2 resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA.

Ashley Audi, MD is a PGY2 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleyaudi22

Sakhi Bhansali, MD is a PGY3 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @DrSakhii

Our Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Send us a text

Welcome to part two of our Season Three Opener! We are joined by five medical students from across the globe, in a two-part episode, to discuss neurology at the medical school level. This is a continuation of our medical student episode. In part one, we covered the preclinical years (M1-M2) of medical school training. In part two, we will cover the clinical years (M3-M4). Listen along to find out more about neurology in medical school!

Our Guests:

Meera Nair is a rising second-year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University. She attended The Ohio State University as an undergrad where she majored in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her academic interests are neuroscience, psychiatry, and sleep medicine. 

Sean Hergenrother is a rising M3 at Northeast Ohio Medical University. He is originally from the Cincinnati area and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to obtain his undergraduate degree. 

Dr. Andrea Mendez Colmenares is a Venezuelan medical doctor and cognitive neuroscientist. She completed her PhD and a postdoctoral fellowship in Colorado. She recently began her neurology residency at Duke University. 

Dr. Neha Saini is a recent graduate of Florida State University College of Medicine. Before this, she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Flordia and her Master of Public Health Degree from George Washington University. She will start her neurology residency training at UF-Gainesville. She also serves as the social media chair for the Neurophiliia Podcast! 

Dr. Idha (Joy) Sood, is a new Neurology PGY-1 resident at UTSA. She fell in love with Neurology after watching a Bollywood movie and there was no going back since!

Our Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a rising second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Send us a text

The Neurophilia Podcast is back and better than ever with our Season Three Opener! We are joined by five medical students from across the globe, in a two-part episode, to discuss neurology at the medical school level. Part one covers the preclinical years (M1-M2) of medical school training. Part two covers the clinical years (M3-M4) and is out on 8/19/24. Listen along to find out more about neurology in medical school!

Our Guests:

Meera Nair is a rising second-year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University. She attended The Ohio State University as an undergrad where she majored in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her  academic interests are neuroscience, psychiatry, and sleep medicine. 

Sean Hergenrother is a rising M3 at Northeast Ohio Medical University. He is originally from the Cincinnati area and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to obtain his undergraduate degree. 

Dr. Andrea Mendez Colmenares is a Venezuelan medical doctor and cognitive neuroscientist. She completed her PhD and a postdoctoral fellowship in Colorado. She recently began her neurology residency at Duke University. 

Dr. Neha Saini is a recent graduate of Florida State University College of Medicine. Before this, she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Flordia and her Master of Public Health Degree from George Washington University. She will start her neurology residency training at UF-Gainesville. She also serves as the social media chair for the Neurophiliia Podcast! 

Dr. Idha (Joy) Sood, is a new Neurology PGY-1 resident at UTSA. She fell in love with Neurology after watching a Bollywood movie and there was no going back since!

Our Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a rising second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

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Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! In this episode, we are taking a trip down memory lane to highlight the best moments of Season Two, and share future directions for Season Three. A huge thank you to all guest speakers and to you for listening to the Neurophilia Podcast! 

Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels
Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko
Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! Discover the passion and complexities that draw professionals like Dr. Marianne Mays and Dr. Diana Shadbear into the world of Headache Medicine. This episode offers a rare glimpse into their unique journeys, from the serendipity of career paths to the rewarding challenges of specializing in neurology's most personal subspecialty. Learn how their mentor-driven paths led them to tackle migraines and other debilitating headaches, improving countless lives along the way.

Embark on a deep exploration of the rigorous training that shapes a headache specialist, as we discuss the multifaceted fellowship program at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Shadbear unveils the vibrant mix of clinical practice, research, and multidisciplinary collaboration that prepares doctors for diverse career opportunities in headache medicine – from private practice to the frontiers of academic research. The conversation also touches on the profound satisfaction that comes from restoring normalcy to patients plagued by chronic pain.

We wrap up with an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of headache treatments, from revolutionary pharmaceuticals to neuromodulatory devices. The specialists share insights on the battle against insurance barriers and the push for personalized medicine, underscoring their commitment to patient care. Their candid stories and rapid-fire questions not only showcase their expertise but also their fervent advocacy for a specialty that offers more than just relief—it offers hope.

Dr. MaryAnn Mays, MD is a headache medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration.  She also serves as the Neurologic Institute Vice Chair for Education and as Associate Program Director for the Cleveland Clinic Neurology Residency Program in Ohio.

 Dr. Diana Shadbehr, DO is a headache specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is an assistant professor of neurology, program director of the headache medicine fellowship, director of the headache program, and medical director of the neurology clinics. 

Follow Dr.  MaryAnn Mays on Twitter @maryannmays11
Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels
Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko
Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

Support the show

Hosts:

Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels

Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr. Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko

Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod