Neurosurgery is a medical discipline and surgical specialty that provides care for adult and pediatric patients in the treatment of pain or pathological processes that may modify the function or activity of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, the supporting structures of these systems, and their vascular supply. Neurosurgeons require extensive training in surgical skills, but also significant knowledge of neurology, critical care, trauma care, and radiology.

As with many fields of medicine, recent advances in technology and research have led to astounding growth and innovation in the field of neurosurgery. Developments in minimally invasive surgical techniques have opened the door to significantly faster recovery times, reduced pain, and fewer complications for many patients undergoing neurosurgery procedures. Additionally, we are seeing increased efforts and resources being poured into researching current therapies and looking for ways to improve prevention, treatment, and management for patients suffering from neurological diseases and conditions. With these advancements, there is an ever-present reminder that education is not something that stops at any point in a neurosurgeon's career. It is a constantly evolving discipline and requires a lifelong commitment to keeping up with current literature, practices, and technologies.

 

Neurosurgical Education at the University of South Florida

The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair recognizes the importance of not only participating in the collaboration and application of best practices in neurosurgery but also leading the way in research and education in these cutting-edge treatments. Our educational goal at The University of South Florida's Department of Neurosurgery and Brain repair is to train the next generation of neurosurgeons to provide the best possible patient care, while also contributing to the research and advancement of the field of neurosurgery, as a whole. We support medical education at all levels of training.

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Lectures by neurosurgical faculty are an integral component of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine's curriculum. Our faculty work to ensure that Morsani students have a working knowledge of the central nervous system and its proper functions, which leads to the ability to recognize deficits and conditions indicative of neurological disorders and conditions. Whether or not these students pursue a career in neurosurgery, the goal is to ensure that they will join the medical provider community having the ability to recognize patients who may benefit from neurosurgical referrals and possibly treatment.  

For students in their fourth year of medical school who are considering pursuing a career in neurosurgery, we offer sub-internship rotations and senior electives within our department.  We also participate in Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS), allowing students from outside Medical Schools to rotate with our department, whether they are just exploring interests in neurosurgery, or considering applying for our residency training program.

MSIV Rotations

Residency Training

After graduating from an accredited Medical School, those who have chosen to pursue a career in neurosurgery must apply for and commit to a seven-year neurological surgery training program. The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair is proud to sponsor one of just over a hundred ACGME accredited Neurosurgery Residency Training Programs in the Country.  

Neurosurgery Residency is a seven-year commitment, during which residents train under the guidance and tutelage of our Department’s experienced faculty and surgeons. It is a strenuous training program, requiring a commitment in time, effort, and discipline on our residents’ part, but we pride ourselves on graduating top-caliber neurosurgeons.

Click here to learn about the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program

Fellowship Training

Whether immediately following completion of an ACGME Residency Program, or throughout their careers, many neurosurgeons choose to dedicate themselves to further sub-specialty training. We currently offer four advanced specialty fellowships within our department: Skull Base Neurosurgery, Spinal Neurosurgery, CNS-Endovascular Surgery and Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery. We are also proud to be collaborating with the USF College of Nursing by developing the Advanced Practice Provider Neurosurgical Fellowship for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP).

Click here to learn more about our Fellowship Training Programs

Additional Educational Opportunities

The department also assists in industry-sponsored training events for practicing surgeons throughout the year. Many of our faculty are members of multiple national neurosurgical organizations, and attend annual conferences as guest speakers and faculty participants. Additionally, our faculty participate in educational opportunities at other Neurosurgical Training Programs, presenting at Grand Rounds as invited guest speakers.