Neuro-Oncology Fellowship

About Our Fellowship

The United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)-accredited Fellowship Program in Neuro-Oncology at Barrow Neurological Institute offers a 1- to 2-year arrangement of clinical and research training for those who have completed an adult neurology residency. The program’s goal is for trainees to develop expertise in:

• Diagnosing and treating both common and rare primary central nervous system tumors
• Diagnosing and treating metastatic and nonmetastatic neurological complications of systemic cancer
• Diagnosis and management of genetic tumor predisposition syndromes including neurofibromatosis, schwannomatosis and Von Hippel-Lindau disease

Each year, over 1,200 patients undergo brain tumor surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute – the most of any brain tumor center in the United States. Barrow is a major participant in RTOG studies and pharmaceutical studies, and has full Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Radiation Oncology and Neuroradiology support. There is the opportunity to work with a broad portfolio of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic driven clinical trials, combining industry-partnered drug development with the nation’s largest operative brain tumor volume at The Ivy Brain Tumor Center.

The first year of fellowship includes mentored, high volume experiences managing patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Elective time is available to tailor the fellowship experience to the trainee’s goals. Fellows have additional opportunities to rotate in medical oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuroendocrinology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, palliative, and hospice care with our partners at Hospice of the Valley, and gain experience in pediatric neuro-oncology through Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The second year of training is optional but encouraged, and allows for graduated independence for management of patients and provides protected time for a research project, which is typically clinical nature. However, laboratory experience in nanotechnology, drug delivery, glioma stem cell, immunotherapy, precision medicine and tumor metabolism are available through the Ivy Brain Tumor Center.

Fellows will attend the weekly Brain Tumor Board (average 20-30 cases) and monthly skull base conference. Fellows can also participate in the weekly pediatric neuro-oncology tumor board at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Fellows also have the opportunity to attend laboratory meetings through the Ivy Brain Tumor Center. 

Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Faculty

Matthew A. Smith-Cohn, DO

Fellowship Program Director

Neuro-Oncologist

Kelly Braun, MD

Neurologist
Neuro-Oncology

Jennifer Eschbacher, MD

Neuropathologist

William R. Kennedy, MD

Radiation Oncologist

Nader Sanai, MD

Chief, Neurosurgical Oncology
Director, Ivy Brain Tumor Center

Yoshie Umemura, MD

Division Chief, Neuro-Oncology
Neurologist

Robert D. Yoo, DO

Director, Brain & Spine Metastases Program
Medical Oncologist

Eligibility

• A current valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada or its territories
• Graduate status from an ACGME-accredited residency program
• Board certified, or eligible for certification in adult neurology through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABNS)
• Completion of USMLE or COMLEX steps I, II, and III

Foreign medical graduates with equivalent qualifications are also eligible to apply provided the following criteria are met:

• Graduate status from an ACGME accredited residency program
• Completion of all three of the USMLE examinations
• Completion of a CSA exam
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable) – Foreign applicants must have ECFMG certification. We only accept J1 Visa; we do not sponsor H1 visa

How to Apply

Application process for all applicants applying to the Barrow Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program:

• Apply online through SFMatch: www.sfmatch.org

The following documents are required of all applicants:

• Barrow application (application will be forwarded to you after you apply through SFMatch)
• Medical school diploma
• Letter of good standing
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• Prelim certificate of completion (if applicable)

Additional required documents obtained through SFMatch:

• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation, may include PD letter (waived rights to view must be sent by letter writer or program coordinator)
• Medical school transcript
• USMLE/COMLEX results

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Matthew Smith-Cohn, DO
Assistant Professor, Neuro-Oncology
Ivy Brain Tumor Center
Barrow Neurological Institute

Program Coordinator

Lisa Clark-Imperial
Fellowship Program Coordinator
Barrow Neurological Institute
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
BNINeurology@CommonSpirit.org