Neurological surgery residency

The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Neurological Surgery Residency is committed to producing highly qualified neurosurgeons who have the confidence to undertake their craft of clinical decision-making and surgical expertise with distinction. The program is currently a seven-year program with access to all neurosurgical sub-specialties.

Training is conducted at Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. A large array of technical assets in both diagnostic and therapeutic domains, coupled with the clinical expertise of specialty-focused staff, serve to supplement the training experience to prepare trainees for future practice

The Department of Neurological Surgery consists of 16 senior surgeons. These surgeons are sub specialized in the major neurosurgical fields including neuro-oncology, functional, pediatric, vascular (open and endovascular) and spine. The are supported by 18 APPs and a large body of technical staff.

Our hospitals are equipped with the latest neurosurgical technologies, advancing the training of our residents and providing the highest quality of care for our patients. These include: iMRI, hybrid angiographic suites, Leica and Zeiss operating microscopes, ROSA and Mazor robotic systems, Storz Neuroendoscopic system, Visualase LITT, NICO Myriad/Brain Path, O-arm, Starfix and Leksell stereotactic frames, Clearpoint system, StealthStation navigation systems, Artis Q biplane systems, Novalis Tx stereotactic radiosurgery system and 3D exoscope system.

The Department of Neurological Surgery is a subsidiary of the Corewell Health Department of Clinical Neurosciences which incorporates neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neuropsychology, clinical psychology and pain management and has over 150 senior faculty and advanced practice providers. Several programs constitute the department – oncology, vascular, epilepsy, spine, movement disorder, neuromuscular, behavioral/cognitive, immunological – bringing together an interdisciplinary team to manage conditions by the relevant expertise.

1. Teaching technical competency in clinical and surgical neuroscience skills
2. Inculcating the spirit of putting the patient’s need first by practicing evidence based and ethical decision making
3. Incorporating a culture of teaching and innovation
4. Committing to researching new age solutions to clinical problems through bedside to bench to bedside approach

• Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Butterworth Hospital - Level 1 Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center; over 800 beds, a Neurocritical Care Unit, dedicated Neuroangiography suites and operating facilities with state-of-the-art technical assets
• Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Blodgett Hospital - site for the majority of elective spine surgery
• Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital – site providing for entire scope of pediatric neurosurgical procedures

Through its collaboration with the Michigan State University, the Department of Neurological Surgery at Corewell Health provides multiple resources for residents and medical students to advance their knowledge and surgical skills.

The department offers a robust sub internship for medical students interested in experiencing the full breadth of neurosurgical care and its various sub specialties. For more information on this, please feel free to contact our program coordinator.

Additionally, faculty and residents also serve as advisors to the Neurosurgery Interest Group (NSIG) currently being run by medical students at the Michigan State University. This collaboration provides medical students access to the various educational activities of the department including didactic sessions, labs, workshops etc. as well as an opportunity to work closely with residents and faculty on various projects both research based and otherwise.

The educational environment at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides sufficient exposure in all neurosurgical domains. Through its resources and commitment to excellence, the program provides the means by which high caliber graduates may be recruited within the department to perpetuate a strong academic standard and clinical performance.

Furthermore, the residents have a year-round access to various facilities such as animal labs for vascular anastomosis training, cadaver labs for spine and skull base procedures and benchside training microscope to practice and improve their surgical skills.

Research is supported by the Corewell Health Research Institute and collaborations are established with several research enterprises, including Michigan State University, Van Andel Institute and Grand Valley State University. Opportunities exist to establish clinical and translational research projects in collaboration within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, as well as with faculty in these neighboring institutions. Departmental faculty are engaged in several clinical trials, government-supported projects and graduate studies programs.

• All candidates must possess U.S. work authorization or be eligible for J-1 status.
• For DO applicants, we prefer USMLE Steps 1 and 2, but will accept COMLEX 1 and 2.

For more information contact Tarra Geertman, program coordinator or email us at neurosurgery@corewellhealth.org.

All visiting medical student applications must be submitted through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities program (formerly known as VSAS). For more information on visiting medical student opportunities, please visit the Visiting Learner page.