Description

UTHealth and Memorial Hermann Hospital at the Texas Medical Center

Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship

Applications open for 2026–27 and 2027–28

Program Overview

The Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship at UTHealth and Memorial Hermann Hospital offers an intensive, high-volume, innovation-driven training experience designed for fellows seeking mastery across the full spectrum of modern epilepsy and functional neurosurgery. Fellows are immersed in a uniquely diverse and complex case mix that integrates advanced epilepsy surgery, functional brain mapping, and neuromodulation within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The program is deeply embedded in translational science and neurotechnology, creating a high likelihood of breakthrough, publishable research while delivering top-quality, patient-centered care as a direct consequence of rigorous clinical and scientific training.

Description

The Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery (EFN) Fellowship is a one-year fellowship intended to impart the fellow with advanced knowledge and skills, enabling a higher level of expertise in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery. This fellowship provides a variety of unique opportunities that distinguish it, including a large volume of functional neurosurgical cases utilizing the latest technologies such as stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG), laser interstitial thermal ablation (LITT), basal ganglia and thalamic neuromodulation, stereotactic neurosurgery, and resection of tumors in eloquent brain regions requiring advanced functional mapping and preservation strategies.

The fellow will also participate in structured didactic teaching as part of a comprehensive epilepsy course conducted by faculty within the Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at UTHealth. Fellows will have access to a broad array of research opportunities across well-established and highly active laboratories, including close integration with the Texas Institute of Restorative Neurotechnologies, as well as the vibrant neurosurgical and neuroscience community at UTHealth and the broader Texas Medical Center.

The fellowship encompasses a wide range of experiences that will shape the fellow into an expert in epilepsy surgery, functional brain mapping, resection of tumors in eloquent cortex, surgical treatment of movement disorders, spasticity, and intractable pain. Fellows will work closely with Dr. Nitin Tandon, Dr. Jonathon Cavaleri (joining August 2026), and Dr. Manish Shah, with patient care delivered through close collaboration between specialists in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology.

The fellow will learn not only operative techniques with progressively increasing responsibility and independence, but also the diagnostic frameworks and medical management strategies essential to comprehensive care of these complex disorders. This integrated clinical and surgical training prepares graduates for independent careers in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery.

The fellowship provides substantial opportunity for research across diverse domains including epilepsy neuromodulation, language and cognitive networks, depression, and clinical outcomes research. Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in both clinical and basic science projects, present their work at national meetings, and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals.

 
Why This Fellowship?

• Unmatched case diversity: High-volume exposure across the full spectrum of epilepsy surgery, functional brain mapping, neuromodulation, and complex eloquent-cortex cases within a premier comprehensive epilepsy center
• Innovation at the core: Direct involvement with cutting-edge technologies including sEEG, LITT, DBS, thalamic and basal ganglia neuromodulation, and advanced stereotactic techniques
• Elite mentorship: Close, hands-on training with thought leaders and a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons and neurologists in a collaborative, academically rigorous environment
• Breakthrough research potential: Exceptional access to translational, clinical, and neuroengineering research through UTHealth and the Texas Institute for Restorative Neurotechnologies, with a strong track record of high-impact, publishable work
• Comprehensive preparation: Graduates leave with the clinical judgment, technical independence, and academic foundation required for leadership roles in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery
• Patient-centered excellence: Training emphasizes that outstanding outcomes and top-quality care are the natural result of rigorous surgical technique, deep physiological understanding, and integrated team-based decision-making

Requirements

Completed Neurosurgery residency