Headache Medicine Fellowship
The Headache Medicine fellowship is designed to train future leaders in academic headache medicine. The goals of this fellowship program are to teach fellows skills needed to offer headache medicine care for patients; to create an understanding of factors that impact patients with headache disorders; and to foster the skills needed to improve patient care. Our objectives include teaching fellows how to master the anatomy and pathophysiology of headache and related disorders; accurately identify and classify primary and secondary headaches; gain proficiency in multiple modalities for the treatment of headache and facial pain including the use of prophylactic and therapeutic medications, behavioral and non-pharmacologic modalities, and physical techniques such as injections, physical therapy, and exercise; gain proficiency in teaching headache medicine to medical students, residents, medical and support staff, and in counseling patients.
Education
Training will take place at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
The primary goal of this fellowship is to mentor and educate fellows in the field of headache medicine. Fellows will gain expertise in the management and treatment of headache disorders, including primary headaches (such as migraine and tension-type headache) and secondary headaches (resulting from various medical conditions). Additionally, fellows will learn to manage neurological complications related to headaches and gain insights into the complexities of treatment-related complications of headache therapies.
Research
Research is encouraged early in the fellowship to allow fellows to select projects of their interests. Projects may include studies currently underway with core faculty members or quality improvement projects. The goal is to foster an appreciation of clinical investigation and quality improvement in the practice of headache medicine.
Clinical Experience
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest ranked hospital in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery are ranked seventh in the nation.
Fellows will have dedicated space within Northwestern University to evaluate and manage headache patients. Fellows will also have access to the infusion center as well as support to perform nerve blocks and Botox injections.
Diversity & Inclusion
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine seeks to attract inquisitive, motivated fellows and is committed to providing them with every opportunity for success. We encourage a diverse and inclusive work environment that allows each trainee to achieve their personal goals.
For more information on Northwestern’s commitment to diversity, please see the Northwestern McGaw Underrepresented Residents & Fellows Forum and Feinberg School of Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The Neurosciences Health, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (HEDI) Committee was developed to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in the Neurosciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Learn more about our work.
Requirements
The fellow must possess a current valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or its territories or Canada. The fellow must be a graduate of a residency program in neurology or other specialties accredited by the ACGME, RCPSC, or CanERA. The fellow must be board certified or eligible for certification by the ABMS, RCPSC, AOA, or CFPC.
How to Apply
We participate in the NRMP Match. All candidates must register with the NRMP Match in order to submit a rank list. Applications for positions beginning July 1, 2025 will be accepted through the application portal below. Interviews are held between March and June 2024.
Please complete the GME application and collect the following documents:
- Three letters of recommendation (one should be from your neurology residency program director) and their contact information
- CV
- Personal statement
- A copy of your state-of-residency (temporary or permanent) medical license
- Copy of official USMLE Step/Scores I, II & III
- ECFMG certificate
Please submit the completed application and all required documents to our application portal.
Why Northwestern?
Housestaff training through McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University provides diverse and challenging clinical experiences and world-class education located in the heart of the beautiful city of Chicago. Learn more via the links to the McGaw website below.
Watch Our Videos
McGaw Experience Discover Feinberg Northwestern Medicine Community Partnership Program Learn More About Chicago Get to Know Streeterville
Contact Us
Erica Nielsen
Fellowship Coordinator
epilepsy-neurophysiology, ms-neuro-immunology, neuro-infectious-disease-global-health, neuromuscular-disease, neuro-oncology, sleep-medicine
Physician-Scientist Training & Resources
We offer a wide range of resources, mentorship opportunities and formal training programs to help our residents and fellows excel as physician-scientists. Explore all of the resources and hear from housestaff who are making research a major part of their career development plans.
VISIT THE STARZL ACADEMY SITE