Mass General Brigham Intraoperative Neurophysiology Monitoring (IONM) Fellowship
Overview
The Mass General Brigham Intraoperative Neurophysiology Monitoring (IONM) Fellowship provides comprehensive training in intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques used to protect neurological function during surgery. This non-ACGME fellowship provides extensive training and exposure to a diverse range of surgeries that require intraoperative neuromonitoring, including neurosurgical, orthopedic spine, vascular, and otolaryngologic procedures.
Fellows collaborate closely with IONM technologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and multidisciplinary surgical teams to interpret neurophysiological signals in real time delivering critical information that helps guide surgical decision-making. Training emphasizes development of both technical expertise and advanced clinical judgment in the acquisition and interpretation of intraoperative monitoring data.
The program is designed to prepare fellows for careers in academic medicine or clinical practice with a focus on intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring and clinical neurophysiology.
Requirements
Applicants must have completed a neurology residency program in the United States and be eligible for medical licensure in Massachusetts.
Prior training in clinical neurophysiology, epilepsy, or EEG interpretation is strongly recommended. Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in neurophysiology and intraoperative monitoring.
Curriculum
The fellowship is a one-year program structured into three progressive rotations designed to build expertise in intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring through didactics, technical training, and hands-on clinical experience in the operating room.
Rotation 1 – Foundational Training (2 months)
The first rotation provides intensive theoretical and practical training in intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring. Fellows participate in lectures, workshops, and hands-on training in the operating room, including live technical setup of monitoring equipment. This rotation establishes the foundational knowledge required for advanced neuromonitoring practice.
During this time, fellows learn how to evaluate surgical cases by reviewing patient history, neurological examination findings, and relevant studies such as neuroimaging, EEG, and EMG to design an appropriate monitoring strategy.
Rotation 2 – Operating Room Monitoring Experience (6 months)
During the second rotation, fellows apply the knowledge gained during the initial training period through active participation in intraoperative neuromonitoring cases in the operating room. Fellows gain hands-on experience in performing monitoring and mapping procedures while becoming familiar with the operating room workflow and multidisciplinary surgical environment.
Fellows review clinical cases in advance, collaborate with supervising faculty to develop monitoring plans, and provide real-time interpretation of neurophysiologic data during surgery.
Rotation 3 – Advanced Monitoring and Case Management (4 months)
The final rotation combines operating room and non-operating room activities to develop advanced clinical decision-making skills in intraoperative monitoring. Fellows learn to prioritize their involvement across multiple surgical cases and determine the appropriate level of monitoring support required.
During this stage of training, fellows also supervise technologists under faculty guidance and communicate directly with surgical and anesthesia teams regarding neurophysiologic findings and potential interventions to prevent neurological injury.
Research Experience
Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical or translational research projects related to neurophysiology, neuromonitoring techniques, and surgical outcomes. Opportunities exist to collaborate with faculty across the Mass General Brigham Neurology and Neurosurgery departments.
Research mentorship and support are available for fellows interested in presenting at national meetings or publishing scholarly work.
How to Apply
Candidates must be board-certified or board-eligible in Neurology, have completed an ACGME-accredited US residency program in good standing prior to the start of the fellowship. A strong background in clinical neurophysiology is required.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A complete application consists of an updated CV, a letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant’s current Program Director.
Application documents should be addressed to Dr. Dinesh Nair, c/o Amber Sims and submitted via email to asims3@mgb.org.