Tab Page – Students & Residents – Expectations

Rotation Expectations

This is an out-patient rotation, with no call and no weekend responsibilities.
This is not a physically-challenging rotation (no sleep deprivation, no excessive walking, no after hours, etc).
If you have a lecture commitment, just let me know, and you can break away for the lecture and return when you are done.
We have a conference room where you can watch your lectures and grand rounds.
I will assign reading and “homework” during the rotation – you are an adult, so I expect you to keep up with these assignments.
Your typical workweek in the clinic will be around 30-35 hours.
Since this is not a very time-demanding or physically demanding rotation, I EXPECT you to read and learn Neurology when not in clinic.
There should be absolutely no excuses for not reading neuro related material during the rotation.
You will be working with Dr. Athni, directly – so please leave any “laziness” at home.
REMEMBER: You will get out of this rotation what you put into it.
This might be your only exposure to Neuro, so take advantage of the rotation.
The more you learn, the more you demonstrate an interest to learn, the more you ask, the more I will teach.

You will be required to take a “Neurology Pre-Clinic Quiz” PRIOR to the first day of the rotation (available on the NOCG Education portal).
Try taking this test without studying to assess your baseline neuro knowledge.
I do NOT expect you to “ace” this test. Rather, it will assess your level of Neurology knowledge at the beginning of the rotation.
You will be required to take another “Quiz” at the end of the rotation.
Part of your “clinic” grade and assessment will be based on how you have progressed during your Neurology rotation.
These quizzes are NOT meant to be stressful. Rather, they are meant to demonstrate your academic growth and help build your confidence in clinical Neurology.

Many students and residents are “afraid” of Neuroscience and Neurology.
One of the best ways to learn Neurology is to understand the pathology and pathophysiology, instead of memorizing random facts.
To accomplish this, I use the Socratic method of teaching – so, be prepared to be challenged academically.
You will quickly realize, and hopefully appreciate, the importance of critical analysis and reasoning (remember CARS on the MCAT?).
Come with an open mind, and you will quickly find that Neurology is a lot of fun.
Don’t stress over this rotation.
Bring your “A” game, and you will learn more than enough to earn an “A” on your shelf exam, while also becoming well prepared for the Neurology component of the Step 1 and Step 2 exams.