About the Neurosurgery Residency Program

In 2020, we were disappointed not to be able to host senior medical students for tours and personal interviews due to the pandemic. To give candidates a better feel for our program, we created a video series about residency, resident life, diversity, and career development. It still applies! Watch the overview below, and see the entire series here:

During their first year, interns spend six months at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center on the neurosurgery service. This time is divided between learning how to operate in level-appropriate cases and learning how to run the neurosurgery service. Three months are spent in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit mastering the management of post-operative neurosurgery patients as well as the medical and bedside procedural management of acutely ill patients. One month each is spent on the neurology consultation service, general surgical ICU, and on the trauma service.

The PGY-2 and PGY-3 years are divided into four-week blocks. This time in the junior residency is divided between NYP/WCMC and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), with a night-float call system in place at NYP/WCMC. During the academic year (July through June), PGY-2 residents spend five blocks on day-float and three blocks on night-float at NYP/WCMC; the remaining time is spent operating at MSKCC. PGY-3 residents spend the majority of their time at NYP/WCMC as operative residents with a significant amount of time spent running the pediatric neurosurgery service. Their remaining time is spent as operative residents at MSKCC. Two blocks are spent on NYP/WCMC night float.

The PGY-4 year and first half of PGY-5 are spent pursuing a research interest under the sponsorship of either neurological surgery staff or basic science faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or Rockefeller University. Residents may also choose to pursue additional graduate degrees or neuroradiology subspecialty enfolded fellowship training. PGY-5.5’s return to the OR as senior operative residents. PGY-6 is spent as chief resident. PGY-7 is focused on pursuing further sub-specialty training, readying for independent practice.

Application for Residency

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). Submit all required documents, including a master application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation (four max) and Medical Student Performance Evaulation (MSPE), via ERAS.

The PGY-1 year is a categorical year of training under the direction of Weill Cornell Medicine neurosurgeons. It is not necessary to match and interview separately with General Surgery for the PGY-1 internship year.

We continue to accept applicants with Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification; however, we only accept J-1 visas.

Program Director

Michael Kaplitt, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: (212) 746-5149
Fax: (212) 746-8146

Associate Program Director

Jeffrey Greenfield, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: (212) 746-2363
Fax: (212) 746-7729

Program Coordinator

Neria Douglass
neurosurgeryresidency@med.cornell.edu
Phone: (212) 746-9819
Fax: (212) 746-8226

Neurological Surgery 525 E. 68th St., Starr 651, Box 99 New York, NY 10065