How can I learn more about fellowship opportunities in the Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center?
We currently offer a voluntary (unfunded) Research Fellowship in Skull Base and Microneurosurgery in our Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center (NITC). The fellowship focuses attention on the training of neurosurgeons in the care of patients with pathologies in the skull base region. The training is of variable duration from 4 to 12 months and is available to senior residents in neurosurgery or to neurosurgeons who have completed their residency training and would like to pursue specialized training in this area. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply 1–2 years in advance of their requested visit. For more information please see our Fellowship Description page and contact us to receive an application form.
Are they any learning or research opportunities in the Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center for medical students?
We offer a research elective in surgical neuroanatomy that provides medical students with the basic concepts of neurosurgery. This elective is designed for medical students nearing the end of their schooling who wish to peruse post-graduate specialty training in neurology, neurosurgery, or otolaryngology. For more information please visit Surgical Neuroanatomy Elective page. Students are encouraged to apply 6 months prior to their desired rotation.
Is United States Citizenship a requirement to apply for a fellowship or elective?
No, we accept fellows and students from all over the globe. To date we have hosted individuals from over 40 countries. To see a list of former fellows by country, visit our Former Fellows page.
Do you require international fellowship applicants to possess Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification?
No, applicants for our Research Fellowship in the NITC are not required to have taken the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam or possess ECFMG certification.
Do you provide visa sponsorship for foreign fellowship or medical student applicants?
No, we do not provide visa sponsorship and cannot support F, J, or H visas. For more information please see the question below.
As a foreign applicant, what type of visa should I apply for?
The B-1/B-2 visa classifications may be used by scholars who plan to pay short visits to one or several campuses in the United States. It is not intended for use by a scholar accepting any type of formal academic appointment for a term or longer. B visa visitors can receive academic appointments at the Medical College but cannot receive any salary or compensation for services.
Fellows: It is very important to apply for the correct type of visa, otherwise your visa application will be denied. As we do not provide visa sponsorship and thus cannot support F, J, or H visas, you will need to apply for a B1 or B1/B2 visa (do not apply for a B2 visa) as a clinical observer using an invitation letter that we will provide to you. The use of this visa for your stay is permitted under 9 FAM 402.2-5(F)(3)(U), which defines “a medical doctor otherwise classifiable H1 as a member of a profession whose purpose for coming to the United States is to observe U.S. medical practices and consult with colleagues on latest techniques, provided no remuneration is received from a U.S. source and no patient care is involved. Failure to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is irrelevant in such a case.” Here is an example of a B1 visa issued to a former fellow, note the annotation.
Medical Students: If you require a visa, you should also apply for a B1 visa using an invitation letter that we provide to you. The use of this visa for this type of clerkship is permitted under 9 FAM 402.2-5(E)(3)(U) paragraph b, “an alien who is studying at a foreign medical school and seeks to enter the United States temporarily in order to take an “elective clerkship” at a U.S. medical school’s hospital without remuneration from the hospital…”
Visa Waiver Program: Fellows and medical students coming for less than 90 days and who qualify for a visa waiver (see "Visa Waiver Program Designated Countries"), should apply for this instead of a visa using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Visitors who qualify for this program may request WB (waiver business) or WT (waiver tourist) status upon entry into the U.S. Both the WB and WT visits are limited to 90 days with no extensions or change of status possible. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. Visitors should submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans. Visa Waiver Program travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
When entering the United States, all visitors regardless of visa or visa waiver status should be ready to present the above mentioned invitation letter to the admitting Customs and Border Protection officer.
What type of health documentation must I provide?
The type of health screening required by the university depends on the duration of your time here and your level of training. Please see the four different categories below and the required documentation for each:
The above does not apply to WCMC and WCMC-Q students.
Do you provide housing opportunities for fellows or visiting medical students?
Unfortunately, we do not provide any housing opportunities.
For more information about living in NYC, visit our page on Living in New York City.
Please understand that any referral made to outside real estate property shall not be construed or reported as an endorsement or approval or a warranty or representation as to the quality, safety or other features of such property, and/or its owners or management agent(s). We expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any issues that may arise with regard to such property or rental units or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenant concerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own judgment when evaluating a prospective rental unit or landlord.
Do you provide any financial assistance or stipends to fellows or visiting medical students?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any form of financial assistance, honorarium, or stipends. Additionally, fellows are required to purchase their own cadaveric specimen at a cost of $1,500 and pay up to $200 for medical clearance to Weill Cornell Medicine. An instrument deposit, returned at the completion of the fellowship, may also be required.
Do you support applications for the AANS International Visiting Surgeon Fellowship?
Based on the large number of applicants, we can only support a single application for the AANS International Visiting Surgeon Fellowship per year. If you would like us to consider supporting your application, please submit to us a copy of your comprehensive education plan, as per the AANS eligibility criteria, as well as any other supporting documents. In general we believe that a successful education plan should describe what you plan to learn during your fellowship, a detailed description of your planned educational activities, a structured description of how you will spend your time here, what you hope to accomplish by the end of your fellowship, and how this fellowship will impact your practice when you return; as well as a novel research plan, centered around your educational plan, that has the possibility for publication in one of the main neurosurgery journals. This structured plan should be about 4–5 pages in length.
What should I do if I have been accepted and can no longer participate in the fellowship?
If, for any reason, you are unable to attend and participate in our fellowship program after receiving an acceptance letter please let us know at least 6 months prior to your scheduled start date.
Do you have any tips for living in New York?
Yes! Please see our Living in New York page for more information.
