Neurological Surgery Residency

The Spectrum Health/Michigan State University Neurological Surgery Residency is a seven year program, accepting one resident annually. Residents undertake their adult neurosurgical training at Spectrum Health Butterworth and Spectrum Health Blodgett hospitals and their pediatric neurosurgical training at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and are exposed to several interdisciplinary clinical programs. A large array of technical assets in both diagnostic and therapeutic domains coupled with the clinical expertise of specialty-focused staff serve to supplement the training experience in order to prepare the trainee for future practice.

Beginning in the summer of 2018, a single resident per year will be selected for training to engage in the seven year program to be accredited as board eligible in neurosurgery and sit for the examinations required by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Residents undertake their adult neurosurgical training at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital and Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital and their pediatric neurosurgical training at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and are exposed to the several interdisciplinary clinical programs that constitute the department of clinical neurosciences in which the neurosurgical and orthopedic spine faculty are integrated. A large array of technical assets in both diagnostic and therapeutic domains coupled with the clinical expertise of specialty-focused staff serve to supplement the training experience in order to prepare the trainee for future practice.

Collaborations with several research entities at Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Van Andel Research Institute locally as well as elsewhere in the nation provide an opportunity to elaborate scholarly work in a great variety of directions. We are fully engaged in the future of this program to afford the trainee as optimal an opportunity as possible to succeed in their profession.

The Spectrum Health Medical Group Neurosurgery division currently has 12 faculty, including two orthopedic spine surgeons, distributed in three Grand Rapids hospitals. Provision of a mature group of 15 physician assistants will provide for greater patient exposure in both the clinic and operating theatres.

The educational environment at Spectrum Health provides sufficient exposure in all ACGME-required neurosurgery domains, including pediatrics. The program will provide for a means by which high caliber graduates may be recruited within the department to perpetuate a strong academic standard and clinical performance.

Research opportunities exist within the system and through collaborations established with Michigan State University (department of translational science and molecular medicine), the Van Andel Research Institute and Grand Valley State University (departments of engineering and mathematics).

All candidates must possess U.S. work authorization or be eligible for J-1 status.

DO applicants: We prefer USMLE Steps 1 and 2 but will accept COMLEX 1 and 2.

For more information on our program, please contact neurosurgery@spectrumhealth.org.

All visiting medical student applications must be submitted through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunitiesprogram (formerly known as VSAS). The Spectrum Health course catalog for rotation opportunities starting in July for the next academic year will be posted in March. Applications will be accepted starting April 1.

Spectrum Health provides a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package for our residents, staff and their families. In addition, our program provides educational monies to support your ongoing education. Download our salary and benefits document to learn more.

About West Michigan

Grand Rapids was named one of The New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2016. It's known as Beer City USA and is home to one of the world's top festivals. Grand Rapids, Michigan is all of this and so much more - a city with unforgettable experiences made easy, affordable and friendly. Learn more about West Michigan on our community information page.