Spinal Cord Injury Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto CA
In affiliation with Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Contact info is:
Vandana Punj, MD
[email protected]
The philosophy of the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center is continuity of care through the lifetime and inclusion of family and caregivers in planning and care decisions. Our goal is provision of comprehensive and specialty care to allow patients to achieve functional independence, enhance quality of life, and regain and maintain their role in society. Our approach is interdisciplinary and involves a team of rehabilitation clinicians including nursing, therapy, psychology and social work. We offer inpatient care and follow patients in outpatient clinics as well as via Home Care.
In our program, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Medicine Fellows will:
 Gain unique clinical and research experience in an academically oriented environment.
 Achieve proficiency in comprehensive spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine with exposure to all related specialties (such as neurosurgery, plastic surgery, pulmonary medicine, etc.) as well as acute care of newly injured patients from ER through initial rehabilitation.
 Participate in on-going studies of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, osteoporosis, nutrition, and telemedicine applications. Potential exists to develop novel research directions and conduct independent research.
 Engage in Hub and Spokes approach; learn about the VA system of coordinated care.
Two Fellowships Programs are available to provide basic and advanced training.
Stanford ACGME-approved Clinical Fellowship in SCI Medicine (1 year)
This Fellowship is intended for PM&R physicians who want to gain specialized experience in the field of SCI Medicine. Expectation is 80% clinical and 20% research, tailored to individual experience and interest. The primary site is VA Palo Alto SCI Center with two months spent at the regional Santa Clara Valley SCI Center. Fellows are provided one-on-one training, didactic education, and clinical mentoring. Non-PM&R clinicians in related fields may also be eligible.
VA Advanced SCI Medicine Fellowship (2 years)
This Fellowship is intended for PM&R physicians who have completed an ACGME SCI Fellowship and also is open to non-PM&R physicians interested in advancing their skills and knowledge in SCI Medicine. Focus is 80-100% research, tailored to individual experience and interest. Leadership skills and development of a broader vision are emphasized. Involvement in outcomes management, quality improvement, administration and program management are available. Advanced fellows are expected to be capable of self-direction and independence.