Columbia University Medical Center – Stroke and Critical Care
Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Salvatore P. Marra Fellowship Program in Clinical Neuropsychology provides specialized training in stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. This two-year postdoctoral training program in the Stroke Division will develop clinician-scientists who specialize in assessment of cognitive impairment arising from disorders of cerebral circulation. The Program adheres to the American Psychological Association Division 40 definition of a neuropsychologist and employs a training model consistent with the recommendations of the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology. The clinical component involves assessment of inpatients and outpatients with a variety of vascular, cardiac and other neurological conditions. Fellows will also collaborate with the neurovascular team that evaluates brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and cerebral aneurysms, which includes training in superselective Wada procedures. The research component involves participation in NIH-funded studies in neurocognitive outcomes in brain AVMs, stroke recovery, functional neuroimaging and mechanical cardiac devices. Fellows receive a stipend of $40,000 per year plus benefits. Fellows should have a doctoral degree from an APA/CPA accredited program in neuropsychology or clinical psychology, and have completed an APA/CPA approved predoctoral internship before starting the postdoctoral training.
In the first year, there are nine basic content areas which the Fellow should develop awareness and basic knowledge:
In the second year, the Fellow will develop a broader knowledge of neuropsychological testing, clinical issues and syndromes, and will be expected to conduct an independent research project. It is expected that the Fellow will achieve licensure immediately following completion of their first fellowship year.
The Fellowship Program provides development of these content areas via didactic, clinical and research opportunities.
Didactics:
There are a number of required and optional didactic experiences that are a part of the Fellowship training. They will provide information in the areas of clinical neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, and neurology. At this site, there is a particular emphasis on the neurological, cognitive, and behavioral features of neurovascular disorders, particularly stroke, brain arteriovenous malformations, and heart failure. Fellows will also participate in the coordination of the Neuropsychology Grand Rounds series.
Attendance is required at:
A list of optional conferences and meetings will be provided separately. Additional didactics will be determined on an individual basis in accordance with the Fellow’s educational needs and proficiencies.
Clinical Activity Plan 80%
The Fellow will develop specialized knowledge in performing neuropsychological evaluations in adults with a range of neurological disorders. There will be an emphasis on the clinical neuropsychological issues of neurovascular disorders particularly, AVMs, stroke and cardiovascular disorders. Fellows will become proficient in performing the superselective sodium amytal (Wada) procedure. Training in assessments on the Rehabilitation Service will also be provided.
A. Neuropsychological Testing:
Fellows will conduct inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations. Oral reports of heart transplant candidate evaluations will be presented at the Friday Transplant meeting.
B. Special Procedures:
The neuropsychology Fellow will learn and perform the pre-Wada neuropsychological evaluation and the Wada examination, as circumstances dictate. The Fellow will coordinate and maintain the Wada schedule. On the day of a Wada, the Fellow will coordinate with interventional neuroradiology and notify the neuropsychology attending (Dr. Lazar or Dr. Festa) when neuroradiology is ready to begin the procedure. As the Fellow gains proficiency and competence, he/she will participate in and write the reports for these procedures.
Research Activity Plan 20%
Research is a significant component of the Fellowship. The initial research assignment will be to an already-existing project, and there will be weekly supervision. The next step will be assignment to an already-designed study, but the supervision will be less frequent and structured. By the end of the first Fellowship year, it is anticipated that the Fellow will have conceived of and designed an original research study, to be conducted in the second year, with supervision as needed. It is expected that the results of this project will be summarized as an abstract and presented to a major professional meeting, followed by a submission for publication. By the end of the two-year period, the Fellow will be competent to run an independent research program in neurovascular neuropsychology.
Administrative Responsibilities:
A. Neuropsychological Testing:
The Fellow is responsible for coordinating the scheduling of patients with the administrative assistant.The Fellow is responsible for obtaining appropriate supervision for cases prior to providing feedback to the referring physician.
The Fellow is responsible for maintaining supplies of test protocols and batteries and keeping track of test materials and equipment (e.g., computers, BNT booklet, etc).
B. Students: (externs)
The Fellow is responsible for oversight of the testing materials for externs. The Fellow prepares, maintains, and updates extern handouts and norms books.
The Fellow assists externs with initial orientation, including explaining procedural details, teaching test administration and scoring (with instruction for computer scored tasks); provides guidance with minor clinical questions; and help them to structure their day when needed. The Fellow will ensure that students leave a data summary sheet for the current day’s testing.
C. Vacation/Conference Days:
Copies of time sheets that include days out of the office for any reason must be submitted.
Goal and Performance Evaluations:
The overall style of the Fellowship strives to be collegial and emphasizes a team approach to learning and teaching. In order to both maintain the quality of training and to ensure that the program is meeting the goals of the Fellow, there will be goal setting and periodic evaluations. Every six months, the Fellow’s progress and development will be reviewed and their goals updated.
Faculty
Ronald M. Lazar, Ph.D.-Dr. Lazar is Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in Neurology and Neurological Surgery and Director of the Cerebral Localization Laboratory at the Neurological Institute at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is also a Professional Neuropsychologist in the Neurology Service at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Lazar’s clinical research has been funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Heart and Lung Institute, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Langeloth Foundation, and other agencies. Dr. Lazar specializes in the relationship of cognitive function and brain disease and other illnesses, with emphasis on language, memory, reasoning and perception.
Joanne Festa, Ph.D.- Dr. Festa is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in Neurology and Assistant Director of the Cerebral Localization Laboratory at the Neurological Institute at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is also Assistant Professional Neuropsychologist in the Neurology Service at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Festa is a co-investigator on several NIH and industry-sponsored trials and is the training director for the cardiac device neuroscience unit. She specializes in neurovascular neuropsychology as well as the neurocognitive and psychological aspects of medical disorders.
Marykay Pavol, Ph.D., ABPP-Dr. Pavol is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in Neurology at the Neurological Institute at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is also Assistant Professional Neuropsychologist in the Neurology Service at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Pavol specializes in neuropsychology in a rehabilitation setting.
Interested applicants should mail a cover letter, CV, 2 sample reports, and three reference letters to: Dr. Joanne Festa, Neurological Institute, 710 West 168th Street, New York, 10032. jf2128@columbia.edu The application deadline is January 30, 2008. Columbia University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Fellowship program will participate in the computerized match sponsored by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) (www.natmatch.com). Interviews will be scheduled with qualified applicants. On-site interviews are preferred. Interviews at INS will be considered.
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