Aerial view of the CHLA Anderson Pavilion Building.

Epilepsy Neurogenetics Fellowship

About the Fellowship

Endowed in 2020, the Epilepsy Neurogenetics Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, an affiliate of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, is a non-ACGME 1-year clinical and research pediatric fellowship within the Division of Neurology. It is 1 of only 5 such programs in the country. Our program annually offers 1 position per year.

The purpose of the training program is to provide advanced training in epilepsy genetics and epilepsy precision medicine in the domains of clinical practice, clinical and/or translational science, teaching, and patient advocacy.

The Fellowship Co-Directors are:

Clinical Experience

The program will integrate genetic testing into the diagnosis and treatment of children with epilepsy to identify causative genetic variants.  The goal is to guide improved understanding of patients’ clinical presentation and guide the development of individualized treatment plans.

The core curriculum is designed to introduce the fellow to all aspects of epilepsy, epilepsy precision medicine, and epilepsy genetics and basic molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.  The curriculum will bolster familiarity with both common and rare genetic causes of childhood epilepsies, epileptic encephalopathies, neurodevelopmental disorders and approaches to common clinical scenarios.

The fellow will understand indications and interpretation of genetic testing, choice and indications of precision medicine approaches, and the genetic counseling process. This will be achieved by clinical and technical experiences in the following:

  • Epilepsy Genetics Clinic
  • Metabolic Genetics Clinic
  • Medical Genetics Clinic
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Genetic Clinic
  • The Center for Personalized Medicine genomic diagnostic lab
  • The Genetic Test Assistance and Counseling Program

Fellows will also participate in various weekly multidisciplinary conferences in both epilepsy and genetics.

Research Experience

Scholarly activity is expected during this fellowship, with a preference for clinical and/or translational research projects. A portion of the fellowship will be dedicated/protected time for independent research activities with mentorship and support provided by the Epilepsy, Genetics and Personalized Medicine programs.

Fellowship Eligibility and How to Apply

Requirements for Application:

  • Completed residency training in Child Neurology, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Neurology or Clinical Genetics
    • ACGME-, AOA-, ACGME-I Advanced Specialty, RCPSC-, or CFPC- accredited programs preferred
  • Must possess a current, valid, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in California
  • Must be board certified or board eligible for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Board of Medical Genetics or comparable certification or eligibility
  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited epilepsy or clinical neurophysiology fellowship before or after the epilepsy genetic neurogenetic fellowship is encouraged but not required

Fellowship start date is July 1st. Earlier or later start dates may be negotiable. The application deadline is nine months prior on October 1st of the previous calendar year.  To apply, please send the following to epilepsyfellowship@chla.usc.edu with “Epilepsy Neurogenetic Fellowship” included in the email subject:

  • CV
  • Personal Statement
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation (inclusive of a letter from your residency program director)

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about our Epilepsy Fellowship.

Program Fast Facts

ACGME Accredited: No
Fellows Per Year: 1
Duration: 1 year
Postgraduate Training Required: 4-6 years (Child Neurology, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities or Neurology residency)
U.S. Citizenship Required: U.S. citizens, permanent residents and J-1, H-1b, or F-1 visa applicants eligible to apply
Annual Salary:

  • Post Graduate Year 5: $87,401.60 minimum
  • Post Graduate Year 6: $90,667.20 minimum
  • Post Graduate Year 7: $93,828.80 minimum
  • Post Graduate Year 8: $96,948.80 minimum
  • Post Graduate Year 9+: Please contact gme@chla.usc.edu
  • Annual Housing Stipend: $8,000

Benefits Include: Health and dental insurance, 14 days paid vacation + 6 protected sick days, division-supported yearly educational stipend, GME-provided monthly meal stipend, and 401(k) matching up to 3%. For additional benefits details please visit the CHLA GME Website.

Life in Los Angeles

Check out some of the great attractions in Los Angeles and information on where many CHLA Fellows decide to live.