The team at Barrow Neurological Institute is pleased to announce a six-month observation fellowship in neuro-oncology. The goal is to provide training for two (2) active members of the Society of Neuro-oncology Sub Saharan Africa (SNOSSA) per calendar year in a non-concurrent manner. Ideal applicants will be practicing physicians in Sub Saharan Africa from the following medical specialties: neurosurgery, neurology, oncology, pathology, radiology, and pediatric oncology.

Program Objectives

1. To train Sub Saharan Africa physicians to deliver evidence-based, high-quality neuro-oncologic care in Africa.
2. To establish a cadre of local mentors capable of training the next generation of neuro-oncologic practitioners in Sub Saharan Africa.
3. To establish opportunities for continued cross-cultural exchange of ideas among brain tumor experts in Sub Saharan Africa and North America.

Program Curriculum

Fellows will rotate in neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology ,and neurosurgery. Fellows will attend a weekly interdisciplinary tumor board and actively participate during discussions. The fellow will be required to give a talk to the residents, fellows, and faculty toward the end of the experience. Fellows will also be required to develop a clinical research proposal on brain tumors, which will be executed and brought to completion during the fellowship program. The goal is to have the findings published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national scientific meetings such as SNO, AAN, ASCO, AANS, etc.

Program Faculty

The CORE faculty for this program will come from Barrow Neurological Institute. However, we will have outside faculty from other institutions such as NIH, Northwestern University, The Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, Moffit Cancer Institute, McGill University, MD Anderson, and TGEN, etc., who may also serve as research mentors. These outside mentors will also provide occasional virtual lectures in their area of expertise to enhance our international fellows’ overall experience. Moreover, this will give the fellows an opportunity to network with experts from different areas of neuro-oncology and different institutions.

Program Support

Barrow Neurological Institute will provide a monthly stipend to assist the fellow with basic support including accommodation, transportation, and health insurance. Additionally, there will be funds for educational and research needs including attendance at a national meeting. Fellows will be responsible for covering flights to Phoenix and all visa-related expenses.