Neurology Clerkship

Welcome Letter

Neurology is a fascinating and dynamic field, but we understand that it can also be daunting. Neurophobia is a real phenomenon that many students and even practicing clinician’s encounter. However, we're here to assure you that you're not alone. Our dedicated faculty, residents, administrators and staff are committed to guiding you through this experience and helping you overcome any challenges you may face. This clerkship is an exciting opportunity for you to delve deeper into the complexities of the nervous system and to refine your clinical skills. One of the highest-rated pre-clinical courses at the Tulane School of Medicine, "Brain, Mind, and Behavior," has laid a strong foundation for your understanding of neurology. Now, as you transition to the clinical setting, you'll have the chance to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios and further hone your expertise. So, as you embark on this clerkship, embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the intricacies of the nervous system. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and triumphs of neurology, and we're confident that you'll emerge with a newfound appreciation for the field.

Michele Longo MD, MPH, FAAN
Director, Student Education
Vice-Chair of Neurology

Objectives

To teach and reinforce proficiency in the following procedural skills:

1. Interview to obtain a complete and reliable neurologic history
2. Perform a reliable neurologic examination
3. Examine patients with altered level of consciousness or abnormal mental status
4. Deliver a clear, concise, and thorough oral presentation of a patient's neurologic history and examination
5. Perform a lumbar puncture under direct supervision or using simulation
6. Perform a funduscopic exam

 To teach and reinforce proficiency in the following analytical skills:

7. Recognize symptoms that may signify neurologic disease (including disturbances of consciousness, cognition, language, vision, hearing, equilibrium, motor function, sensation, reflexes, coordination, gait, and autonomic function)
8. Localize the sites in the nervous system where a lesion may produce a patient's symptoms and signs
9. Explain the indication, potential complications, and interpretation of common tests used in diagnosing neurologic disease
10. Distinguish normal from abnormal findings on a neurologic examination
11. Develop skills needed to deliver patient-centered, compassionate neurologic care
12. Understand cognitive biases and their implications for diagnostic errors

Neurology Clerkship Contacts

Director, Student Education Michele Longo MD, MPH, FAAN 131 S. Robertson St. Suite 1340, Room 1365 Office: (504) 988-3888 Fax: (504) 988-9197 Email: mlongo1@tulane.edu

Specialty Advisor Jessica Kraker, MD, FAAN 131 S. Robertson St. Suite 1340, Room 1369 Office: (504) 988-9190 Fax: (504) 988-9197 Email: jkraker@tulane.edu

Program Coordinator Hunter Murray 131 S. Robertson St. Suite 1340, Room 1357 Office: (504) 988-5056 Fax: (504) 988-9197 Email: hmurray3@tulane.edu