Pediatric Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship
Pediatric Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship
Train at the intersection of pediatric expertise, genetics, innovation, and research.
One dedicated pediatric fellowship position. Four pediatric neuromuscular faculty. The resources of an entire Neuromuscular Division.
The University of Rochester's Pediatric Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship offers a highly individualized training experience within a comprehensive Neuromuscular Division. Fellows receive close mentorship from four pediatric neuromuscular faculty while having access to the division's clinical, educational, research, and diagnostic resources.
Why Choose Pediatric Neuromuscular Fellowship at Rochester?
Four Pediatric Neuromuscular Faculty
Our four pediatric neuromuscular faculty provide an uncommon depth of expertise and mentorship. Fellows work closely with faculty who care for children across a broad spectrum of neuromuscular disorders and are actively involved in clinical research, innovative therapies, and advancing the field.
One Dedicated Pediatric Fellow
With one pediatric fellowship position, your experience is highly individualized. You will become an integral member of the Neuromuscular team while receiving personalized mentorship and opportunities tailored to your clinical and career interests.
Two Dedicated Genetic Counselors
Genetics is central to modern pediatric neuromuscular medicine. Fellows work closely with two dedicated genetic counselors, gaining valuable experience with genetic testing, diagnosis, counseling, and family-centered care.
Golisano Children's Hospital
Our fellowship partners with Golisano Children's Hospital, a 148-bed pediatric hospital serving 14 counties throughout the Finger Lakes region and caring for approximately 85,000 children each year. This high-volume pediatric environment provides exposure to children with complex medical conditions across outpatient, inpatient, critical care, surgical, and multidisciplinary settings.
Gene Therapy and Emerging Treatments
Our active gene therapy programs provide fellows with exposure to innovative treatments that are changing the landscape of pediatric neuromuscular medicine. Our large regional catchment area provides access to a substantial and diverse pediatric patient population.
Research That Moves Medicine Forward
From clinical research and clinical trials to translational science, fellows have opportunities to engage in research that is advancing pediatric neuromuscular medicine.
The Resources of a Comprehensive Neuromuscular Division
Although this is a dedicated Pediatric Neuromuscular fellowship position, fellows are fully integrated into our larger Neuromuscular Division and benefit from the breadth of expertise, clinical resources, and educational opportunities available across the program.
Training Across the Lifespan
Neuromuscular disease does not stop at the pediatric-adult boundary. Our Pediatric Neuromuscular fellow develops expertise in pediatric neuromuscular medicine while gaining meaningful exposure to adult neuromuscular disease through the resources of our comprehensive Neuromuscular Division. This longitudinal experience provides exposure to:
| Pediatric-Focused | Adult | Across the Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn screening | Adult neuromuscular disorders | Inherited neuromuscular disease |
| Genetic diagnosis and counseling | Electrodiagnostic medicine | Longitudinal care |
| Pediatric-onset neuromuscular disease | Complex diagnostic evaluation | Transition from pediatric to adult care |
| Multidisciplinary care | Longitudinal disease management | Emerging therapies |
| Emerging therapies | Multidisciplinary care | Continuity of care |
| Clinical trials |
This integrated approach gives fellows a broader understanding of neuromuscular disease and prepares them to care for patients across the lifespan.
Watch: Designing a Career That Fits: Clinical Care, Research & Teaching with Dr. Bo Lee
The Full Neuromuscular Experience: The Best of Both Worlds
Our Pediatric Neuromuscular fellow is not training in isolation. As part of the larger Neuromuscular Fellowship, the pediatric fellow has access to the same comprehensive resources and educational experiences available to our adult fellows.
These include:
- Electrodiagnostic medicine (EMG/EDX)
- Neuromuscular ultrasound
- Neuromuscular pathology
- Multidisciplinary clinics
- Clinical case conferences
- Didactic teaching
- Journal clubs
- Clinical research
- Clinical trials
- Faculty mentorship
- Scholarly opportunities
This unique structure combines dedicated pediatric mentorship with the breadth and resources of a comprehensive adult and pediatric Neuromuscular Division.
Research and Innovation: From the Lab to the Clinic
Associate Fellowship Director Dr. Sam Mackenzie leads the Mackenzie Lab, a pediatric neuromuscular research group at the University of Rochester dedicated to understanding and treating rare genetic diseases of the nervous system and muscle.
The laboratory's research includes:
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1)
Investigating disease mechanisms, repeat-length-dependent epigenetic changes, disease severity, novel therapeutics, and central nervous system manifestations.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Exploring gene therapy approaches and ACE-tRNA suppression strategies.
TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder
Combining model-organism research with human patient data to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and improve outcomes.
A central focus of the Mackenzie Lab is improving the lives of individuals with genetic muscle disorders. The laboratory's work is closely connected to Dr. Mackenzie's clinical practice in pediatric neuromuscular medicine, creating a true bench-to-bedside environment where clinical observations inform research and laboratory discoveries can ultimately improve patient care.
Fellows interested in genetics, rare disease, emerging therapies, translational research, or academic medicine can explore opportunities to engage with research across the division.
Understanding Gene Therapy for Babies and Young Children. In the second hour of Connections with Evan Dawson on October 29, 2024, parents and experts discuss the challenges and benefits of gene therapy for newborns and young children.
How to Apply
Applicants must be graduates of an accredited training program in neurology or physical medicine and rehabilitation in the United States or Canada and must be licensed or eligible for licensure in New York.
Please apply through the AANEM Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship Portal . You will be prompted to submit a curriculum vitae (CV), a one-page letter of interest, USMLE scores, ECFMG certificate if applicable, and three letters of recommendation.