The Neurosurgery/Spine Fellowship at The University of Iowa will provide the candidate an opportunity to actively participate in spine surgery under the supervision of internationally recognized faculty members within the University of Iowa Department of Neurosurgery.

About the one-year clinical fellowship

Patrick Hitchon, M.D., has an extensive spinal surgery practice.  He has a particular interest in the management of thoracolumbar trauma and tumors.  These are primarily treated through anterior and anterolateral approaches.  He also maintains a general spine practice.  Four months of this fellowship is dedicated to working with Dr. Hitchon.  

During this time the fellow will attend all of his clinics and scrub and participate in all spine-related surgeries.

Arnold Menezes, M.D., is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of craniovertebral junction pathology.  He has a large referral practice of tumors, congenital anomalies, and deformities of the craniovertebral junction.  Four months are dedicated to working with Dr. Menezes.  During this time the fellow will attend all of his clinics and scrub and participate in all spine-related surgeries.

It is recognized that there will be days when the primary faculty member is away or does not have a spinal case or clinic.  This time will be spent either operating with another spine faculty member or working on clinical research.

The fellowship will support travel to a single meeting.

There are numerous investigative opportunities available, and research is highly encouraged.

The Department of Neurosurgery has an affiliation with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and has collaborated on many research projects with this group over the years.  Numerous other clinical projects are ongoing.