A Message from the Program Directors

 Argye Hillis and Rafael Llinas

There has never been a more exciting time to become a neurologist. Not only can we localize the lesion with our clinical examination, but now have better imaging techniques and diagnostic tests that allow us to determine the nature of the lesion. Our research has provided new insights into the mechanisms of neurological diseases, and these insights have led to rational and effective interventions. We treat more neurological conditions than ever before, either curing the disease or improving the functional outcomes and quality of life. Treatment of a neurological disorder results in improving those aspects of life that make us who we are - how we think, communicate, walk, perceive stimuli, or accomplish complex activities like writing poetry or playing violin.

The foremost goal of the Hopkins Neurology Residency is to train physicians to become the very best clinicians - people who can apply the most up to date knowledge in the field and principles of patient-centered care to effectively and compassionately diagnose and treat neurological disease. The Hopkins neurology faculty members are a diverse group of clinicians, scientists, and educators who universally enjoy helping our neurology residents gain the skills required to become master clinicians and critical thinkers. Many of our residents go on to become leaders in academic neurology - physicians developing better ways to educate, discovering mechanisms of disease, or generating or evaluating new treatments for neurological disorders. Most of our faculty members are actively engaged in clinical management of patients, teaching medical students and residents, and clinical or translational research. We believe these scholarly activities are all critical, rewarding, and synergistic. Our patients guide our research questions and education of residents and students, and our research leads to improved patient care and teaching. We provide mentorship to residents in all of these areas, as well as in career development and management of a clinical team.

The most important features of the Hopkins neurology residency are the quality and camaraderie of our residents. The residents and faculty are colleagues who collaborate uniquely well in patient care, teaching, and research, and who engage in lively interactions in conferences and in the clinic. We have a tremendously diverse patient population, providing ample opportunities for learning the skilled management of the entire spectrum of neurological disorders. Our residents enjoy the opportunity to participate in outpatient clinics in virtually every subspecialty of neurology, to develop expertise in treatment of everything from peripheral neuropathy to dementia. Our inpatient neurology services, including certified stroke centers, epilepsy monitoring units, and neurocritical care units (on both the Hopkins campus and the nearby Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center campus) allow our residents to become exceptionally competent in all areas of inpatient neurology as well.

Finally, we strive to maintain a diverse group of residents. We recognize the importance of diversity in interests, goals, talents, race, cultural backgrounds, and gender. We love what we do, and we enjoy time with our colleagues both in and outside of work.

We hope you will visit and experience the warmth and excitement of the program.

Argye E. Hillis, MD, MA	Rafael Llinas, MD, FAHA
Professor of Neurology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Director, Neurology Residency Program	Associate Professor of Neurology Co-Director, Neurology Residency Program