The MUSC Movement Disorders Fellowship offers a comprehensive, well-balanced, individualized one to two-year fellowship program, depending on the selected track. The first year will be spent primarily in the clinical study of movement disorders with direct patient care and clinic responsibilities, including: the assessment and medical management of movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonism, essential tremor, ataxia, dystonia, tic disorders, Huntington’s disease, amongst others); specialized training in the evaluation and management of deep brain stimulation patients including an introduction to intraoperative physiology; and performance of EMG and ultrasound guided botulinum toxin injections. The second year will be tailored to the specific interests of the fellow and can include more in-depth training in DBS (intraoperative neurophysiology and advanced programming), advanced botulinum toxin injections, clinical trials, or independent research. Fellows may also choose to seek a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) or a clinical research certificate in this time. Visit the MUSC Health Movement Disorders page and the MUSC Health Deep Brain Stimulation Program page to find out about these programs and centers.
Requirements:
Completed ACGME accredited Residency in Neurology, board eligible, for all but research and international tracks.
Tracks:
Clinical Track (1 year): Fellows in this track have completed a neurology residency and typically seek a career in general neurology with a specialized focus in movement disorders, or a career in movement disorders in a private practice setting. Candidates with prior research training who seek additional clinical training or with other subspecialized training seeking to gain or switch into the field of movement disorders may also benefit from this option. If a research or greater clinical interest arises during this one-year experience, some candidates may choose to remain for a second year of training.
Clinician-Researcher Track (2 years): Fellows in this track have completed a neurology residency, will complete all clinical training as in the first year clinical track and in the second year, they may seek to actively participate in ongoing projects in one of the movement disorder labs, pursue their own research interests or seek greater exposure to clinical trials. A Master of Science in Clinical Research may also be available to these candidates during this period. Graduates of this track typically seek academic positions with a significant research component.
Clinician-Educator Track (2 years): Fellows in this track have completed a neurology residency, will complete all clinical training in the first year clinical track and choose to receive additional training in intraoperative neurophysiology, advanced DBS programming, advanced botulinum toxin injections, including ultrasound guidance, and exposure to clinical trials. Graduates of this track typically seek academic positions as clinician educators.
Research Track (1-2 years): This is not a clinical fellowship, therefore, a neurology residency is not required. MD and or PhD candidates can be considered depending on their interests and available funding. Graduates of this track typically seek research careers, however, this may serve as a bridge toward clinical training.
International Track (1-2 years): This is a one to two year experienced for candidates who have completed a neurology residency outside of the United States and seek to have subspecialty training in movement disorders. Candidates may choose a more clinical or research focused experience depending on their interests. Graduates of this fellowship will not be board eligible to practice neurology in the United States, but will have the necessary training to practice as movement disorder neurologists in their country of origin.
Professor of Neurology Director, Movement Disorders Division Residency: MUSC Fellowship: Movement Disorders at Rush University Interests: PD cognition, neuroprotection, functional neurologic disorders
Assistant Professor of Neurology Residency: Loyola University Fellowship: Movement Disorders at University of Cincinnati Interests: Clinical Movement Disorders
Shabbir Merchant, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology Residency : Drexel University Fellowship : Movement Disorders at Columbia University, NIH Interests : Motor Control Physiology, DBS
Dr. Revuelta is an Associate Professor of Neurology and SmartState Endowed Chair in Neurodegenerative Disorders at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Revuelta also directs the Murray Center for Research in Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders and is the Medical Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program. His NIH-funded research program focuses on the development of invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation interventions for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.
Assistant Professor of Neurology Residency: Loyola University Fellowship: Movement Disorders and Behavioral Neurology at University of Cincinnati Interests: Cognition, Aphasia, Imaging
Specialties: Parkinson's disease and related disorders, oculomotor functioning, telehealth, resiliency
Travis H. Turner, Ph. D., is an assistant professor and director of the Neuropsychology Division at MUSC. He studied psychology and neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh and earned his doctorate in clinical psychology through San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. He completed clinical internship and postdoctoral training at MUSC and the VAMC in Charleston. He provides clinical neuropsychological evaluations for patients followed within movement disorders. His research program is focused on developing new ways to measure and treat cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease. Current efforts in this pursuit include development and standardization of computerized behavioral saccade tests, neuropsychological assessment via videoconferencing, (i.e., telemedicine), and clinical trials (e.g., phospholipid-bound omega-3 supplementation).
How to Apply
MUSC participates in the SF Match Program and applications will be submitted through the match program online.
Interviews will occur in the Spring-Summer of each year with an application deadline of June 30th. Fellowship positions may remain open, and candidates may submit their application materials directly to the fellowship coordinator when applying for these positions. Interviews for these applicants will be determined by the fellowship director and planned accordingly. Candidates should submit the following:
