Neurology
A Message from Our Chair
The University of Rochester Medical Center has a long tradition
of excellence in patient care, research, and education. The Department
of Neurology has an outstanding faculty – over 70
physicians – dedicated to excellence in all three of these academic missions.
Our clinical programs bring together physicians, fellows, residents and nurse practitioners to treat patients who have both common neurological conditions (such as stroke or epilepsy) as well as those with rare conditions (such as Andersen-Tawil Syndrome or episodic ataxia). Many of our clinical programs are interdisciplinary in nature, allowing us to work closely with faculty in Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology, Pediatrics, Rehabilitation, and others. Last year we admitted over 1,100 inpatients, and conducted more than 24,000 outpatient visits, and almost 30,000 procedures. Many of our physicians are listed in the national reference guide Best Doctors in America.
Research is a major priority of the Department of Neurology. The U of R Neurology Department is one of the top academic centers for research into neurologic conditions. We have ranked in the top 10 institutions for NIH-funded research for each of the past 10 years. Currently we rank 3rd in NIH funding, with more than 35 active NIH grants. We also have many investigator-initiated industry sponsored research projects and clinical trials. Annually we receive over $23 million in extramural research support, which allows our faculty to make important contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurologic conditions and processes.
The teaching of medical students, residents, fellows, and other students is an important part of our mission. Our faculty are responsible for teaching nearly 10% of the medical school curriculum. Each year we have 15 residents in the Neurology Residency Program. We have over 20 fellows in accredited and independent fellowship programs in Neurophysiology, Stroke, Epilepsy, Experimental Therapeutics, and Child Neurology.
The three missions are well integrated in the Department of Neurology. Our patients benefit from cutting-edge research. The residents and other students benefit from caring for patients with a wide range of neurologic conditions. Researchers can develop new treatments with the help of patients who volunteer for clinical studies. It is through this interplay that we maximize our potential as a vibrant academic neurology department.
Robert C. Griggs, M.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology