About the Program
The Karp Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program is a United Counsel for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) accredited program that provides intense, comprehensive training in the management of primary and secondary brain tumors and neurological complications of cancer.
The overall goal is to cultivate the careers of young physician-scientists to become leaders in the field of Neuro-Oncology. The fellowship program is designed to accommodate the individual needs of candidates aiming at either clinical practice or academic positions upon completion of training.
The Neuro-Oncology Fellowship consists of one to two years of training:
- The first year is dedicated to intensive exposure to clinical Neuro-Oncology, dealing with primary and secondary brain tumors and neurological complications of tumor directed therapy in outpatient and inpatient settings.
- Participation in outpatient brain tumor clinic at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
- Management of the inpatient Neuro-Oncology consultation service
- Participation in our clinical trials program
- Rotations with palliative care, neuropathology, neuroradiology, radiation-oncology, and pediatric Neuro-Oncology
- The second year (optional) adds opportunities for clinical or basic research coupled with more independent patient care management.
- Brain tumor continuity clinic and Neuro-Oncology consultation service
- Focus on clinical, translational, or basic science research.
- Fellows select a research mentor who is responsible for specific projects and the educational development of the fellow during their research year.
Fellows are given a broad exposure to primary and secondary brain, spinal cord or cerebrospinal fluid tumors and neurological complications of tumor directed therapy. Fellows can rotate through palliative care, neuropathology, neuroradiology, radiation-oncology, pediatric Neuro-Oncology and physical medicine and rehabilitation to expand their knowledge and skillset and learn the intricacies of multidisciplinary care for Neuro-Oncology patients.
Who Can Apply to the Karp Neuro-Oncology Fellowship?
Applicants must have completed a neurology residency and attained qualification to sit for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology examination. They also must have completed USMLE I, II, III.
Foreign medical graduates with equivalent qualifications are also eligible to apply. They must have completed all three of the USMLE examinations, a CSA exam, and hold a valid ECFMG certificate.
We will also consider applicants wishing to pursue a career in academic Neuro-Oncology who have completed residency/fellowship training in medical oncology, radiation-oncology or neurosurgery who wish to complete a one-year program.
All applicants must apply through the Neuro-Oncology San-Francisco Fellowship Match: SF Match Central Application Service.
Timetable: 2024 Neuro-Oncology Fellowship (for 2025-2026 Academic Year)
- November 1, 2023: Applications open in SF Match.
- February 28, 2024: Applications close in SF Match.
- March 1, 2024: Interview period begins.
- Invitation for interviews will be extended on 3/15/2024
- Virtual interview dates will be scheduled between 4/15/2024-4/26/2024
- Second-look visits will be scheduled between 5/13/2024-5/24/2024
- May 31, 2024: Interview period ends.
- June 7, 2024: Rankings are due at 12:00pm Pacific from candidates and programs.
- June 14, 2024: Results are posted.
For more information about the fellowship and details on how to apply, email Megan Mantica, MD, at manticam@upmc.edu.
Leadership
Megan Mantica, MD
Director, Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program
Assistant Professor, Neurology and Medicine
Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology
Jan Drappatz, MD
Division Chief, Adult Neuro-Oncology Program
Associate Professor, Neurology and Medicine
Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-Oncology
Educational Activities
In addition to the clinical training provided by Neuro-Oncology faculty members, fellows attend a variety of teaching conferences and didactic sessions.
- Weekly Multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Board meetings. These sessions offer valuable educational experience and exposure to the various teams that provide input regarding pathologic and radiologic findings and treatment options.
- Fellows are encouraged to attend weekly Hematology-Oncology Fellowship lecture series. This provides exposure to diagnosis and management of metastatic cancer as well as treatment related complications.
- Neuro-Oncology focused journal club for neurology residents and hematology-oncology fellows
- Weekly Hematology-Oncology Grand Rounds and Neurology Grand Rounds
- Weekly clinical research protocol review meetings
- Quarterly one-on-one fellows review with program director
- Weekly Neuro-Oncology Fellow conference series
Rotations (4 weeks total)
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology rotation (Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh) – minimum of 2 weeks
- Neuropathology
- Radiation Oncology (Shadyside Hospital)
- Neuroradiology
- Neuropsychology
- Palliative care
National Conferences/Meetings
Fellows are encouraged to present and attend at least one national conference/meeting during each year. Fellows are encouraged to submit abstracts to ASCO and SNO annual conferences.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties http://www.ucns.org/go/subspecialty/neuro-oncology/certification
Certification
After successful completion of the UPMC Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program, you will be eligible to take the Neuro-Oncology Certification Exam offered by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. Neuro-Oncology Certification (ucns.org)