Medical Student Rotations

A photo of the Biomedical Research Building's clock tower

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University. The Department of Neurology provides a variety of educational programs for students in the School of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. Case students can find a description of all neurology Type A and Type B electives at the School of Medicine Registrar's site.

Students from other schools may also participate in clinical electives in the fourth year, and may arrange clinical experiences via University Hospitals' Visiting Medical Student Program.

Third Year Core Clerkship

All CWRU medical students are required to complete a third year Block III core clerkship which includes Neuroscience and Psychiatry. More than any field, Neuroscience relies upon the oldest principles of medicine and the latest in modern technology. The foundation of neurologic diagnosis rests on the knowledge of neuroanatomy in conjunction with the neurologic history and physical examination. Advanced imaging techniques, immunologic studies and molecular genetics can then be applied to define the underlying disorder. Rapidly evolving advances now allow for treatments and surgical techniques of various neurologic disorders that were not possible a few years ago.

The Neuroscience portion of the Block III core clerkship allows students direct hands-on experience with a variety of neurologic patients and disease processes. All students will have responsibilities for inpatient care under the supervision of either Neurology or Neurosurgery house officers and attendings. In addition, students will attend outpatient clinics every week. Each student will be assigned to rotate through the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center General Neurology, Stroke Neurology, Neurocritical Care, Pediatric Neurology, or Neurosurgery services or the Veterans Administration Hospital Neurology Service.

Each Friday, all students convene for didactic sessions covering core topics, including clinical aspects of neurology and neurosurgery.

Please keep in mind, it is not possible to master the entire field of neuroscience during a several year residency, let alone a month clerkship. However, with diligent study, motivation and initiative, each student will be able to become proficient in the evaluation of neurologic patients and learn the core concepts of neuroscience every physician needs to know, regardless of the field of medicine or surgery he/she ultimately practices.