Student Interest Group Neurology (SIGN)
Overview
Welcome to the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Our SIGN chapter is very active, and approximately one-quarter of the school's medical students are members of SIGN. The enthusiasm and excellence of the faculty, residents, and staff of the Department of Neurology contribute, in a large part, to the interest of Rochester students in neurology. Our adviser is Ralph Jozefowicz, M.D., who directs Mind, Brain, and Behavior Parts One and Two (second year neurology class and third year clerkship, respectively) and the neurology residency program at the University of Rochester.
History and Purpose of SIGN
From the American Academy of Neurology: Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) brings together medical students who are interested in exploring the practice of neurology. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) supports each SIGN chapter along with the Neurology Department or Dean's Office at each member's institution.
SIGN Member Benefits
The following are the benefits you receive as a SIGN member. Contact Lorie Wolfanger at Lorie_Wolfanger@URMC.Rochester.edu for more information.
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First-hand experience
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Shadow a neurologist
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Be matched with a mentor
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Meet professors
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Meet neurologists in private practice
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Meet attendings
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Meet residents
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Free AAN Membership
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SIGN members can join the AAN with a free student membership.
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Scholarships
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SIGN members can compete for summer research scholarships.
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Meetings
Meetings are held 3-4 times during the academic year, at which faculty and/or residents speak about a wide variety of topics. Recent speakers include:
Chad Heatwole, M.D.
Robert Holloway, M.D., M.P.H
Ralph Jozefowicz, M.D.
Eric Logigian, M.D.
Jonathan Mink, M.D., Ph.D.
Nimish Mohile, M.D.
Robert Stone, M.D.
The speakers discuss a wide variety of topics, from clinical knowledge about their subspecialties to a general discussion of the advantages of pursuing a career in neurology. Neurology residents always participate in a panel at least once each year to address specific questions about the application process, the character and quality of life as a resident, and other issues that students may raise. The meetings also promote congeniality and camaraderie between students and faculty.
Clinical Neuroscience Pathway
The neuroscience pathway program is a department-sponsored, student-driven journal club open to first and second year medical students interested in neurology. Through a series of approximately six (6) lunchtime meetings, students will explore various topics of interest to the group through reading and discussion a current journal article. The students choose amongst themselves both the paper and the discussion leader(s). The faculty advisor is Chad Heatwole, M.D., a neuromuscular specialist in the Department of Neurology.
SIGN/Pathway Shadowing Program
The University of Rochester medical school curriculum is unique in that students begin outpatient clinical rotations in the first year of medical school. Students are briefly introduced to outpatient neurology in the second year. The SIGN Shadowing Program provides students with the opportunity to take call with a neurology resident in the hospital, thus gaining exposure to acute neurology before beginning the neurology clerkship in the third year.
Contact SIGN/Pathway
For more information about SIGN and/or neurology at the University of Rochester, please e-mail:
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