Autonomic Disorders Fellowship
About Our Program Director
This fellowship is led by program director Melissa Cortez, DO, a neurologist who has specialized expertise in neurological diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system (autonomic neurology), as well as multiple sclerosis (MS). She is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology (EMG, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials, and autonomic testing). Dr. Cortez is the director and founder of the autonomic physiology lab at the University of Utah and has integrated a research program into her clinical work, aiming to better understand the underlying physiology of symptoms her patients experience. This knowledge is aimed at improving diagnostic strategies, improved selection of treatment options, and improving outcomes.
Overview
The Autonomic Disorders Fellowship at the University of Utah is a one- or two-year fellowship that provides dedicated training in advanced anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), as well as skills in the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of the full spectrum of central and peripheral ANS disorders, including pharmacological management of ANS disorders. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue clinical and/or research tracks, with numerous opportunities to participate in projects focused on laboratory research, translational research, and/or clinical trials, based on the goals of the individual fellow.
This fellowship is accredited by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). As a graduate of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the UCNS Autonomic Disorders Examination and ultimately become certified in autonomic disorders by the UCNS.
Check out the new Autonomic Disorders Fellowship @UofUNeurology - open now for applications for the 2024-25 academic year. #Autonomic disorders and #Dysautonomia is NOT RARE, and we need more specialists! #NeuroTwitter #medtwitter @AASAutonomic @GuillaumeLamot5 @AANmember pic.twitter.com/P6JThW4Vub
— Dr. Melissa M. Cortez (@MCortez_DO) March 1, 2023
Research
- You will receive didactic training in basic epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methods.
- Fellows will have one to two half-days open as elective time to pursue research, additional clinical neurophysiology training, or other scholarly activities.
- Fellows are expected to attend at least one national/international meeting annually and will present a Grand Rounds lecture to the department annually.
- Fellows will gain the experience necessary to competitively write for research funding for those that wish to pursue an academic career pathway.
View Autonomic Disorders Fellowship Brochure
Education
- You will participate in the clinical teaching of medical students and residents from four different departments during their rotations in autonomic clinic.
- You will have the option to participate in the Autonomic Lecture Series for the residents and medical students.
- Fellows will organize (gather relevant cases) and lead quarterly multidisciplinary case conferences, and participate in weekly journal clubs.
Clinical
- Facilities available to you include approximately 600 square feet of dedicated laboratory space, consisting of two fully equipped testing rooms.
- Clinical curriculum with consist of autonomic clinics, direct participation in autonomic testing procedures, and occasional inpatient consultations for unusual cases as needed.
- Fellows will have exposure to the diagnosis and clinical care of neurogenic autonomic failure and neuropathy syndromes, as well as patients presenting for symptoms of "dysautonomia," including postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related mimics, recurrent syncope, neurologic autoimmunity, post‐infectious syndromes, and autonomic nervous system complications of systemic disease (including Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and other rheumatologic conditions).
Application
Eligible Applicants:
- Must be a graduate of a residency program in adult neurology, child neurology, cardiology, or internal medicine that is accredited by the ACGME, RCPSC, or CanERA
- Must be US citizen or permanent resident. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applicants who are in need of J1 visa sponsorship at this time.
To apply, send the following documents to neuro.fellowship@hsc.utah.edu:
- CV
- Personal Statement
- Three (3) Letters of recommendation
- USMLE/COMLEX scores
- ECFMG (if applicable)
Application Period
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 academic year between February 2025 and June 2025.