Neurology Residency

The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Neurology Residency program offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient experiences, providing a robust and diverse training environment for resident neurologists, preparing them well to go on to fellowship opportunities or general neurology practice. The overall goal of our program is to prepare individuals to be competent and compassionate clinical neurologists. This is accomplished through an educational plan designed to provide increasing responsibility in patient care over the four years of training so that residents reach a level of competence in the independent care of patients with neurological disease by the end of their training. All training is accomplished in an environment that maximizes resident education, patient safety, and the well-being of the resident physicians.

Do you love Neurology? Do you want to play an active role in shaping your own education? Are you looking for broad clinical exposure, meaningful mentorship, and a supportive community of colleagues and teachers?

If so, I invite you to consider the Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Neurology Residency Program.

We are an evolving program. As we approach the graduation of our tenth class of residents, we remain committed to continuous improvement. Resident feedback is not simply welcomed – it helps shape our curriculum, educational experiences, and program culture. When applicants ask what qualities we value most, our answer is simple: we seek residents who are curious, engaged, collaborative, and invested in their own growth. In return, they join a faculty deeply committed to teaching, mentorship, and innovation in neurology education.

We are a comprehensive program. Our residents train across the full spectrum of neurology, learning from general neurologists, neurohospitalists, and subspecialists in vascular neurology, endovascular intervention, neurocritical care, epilepsy, headache medicine, movement disorders, neuroimmunology, cognitive neurology, and neuromuscular medicine. Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum and progressive clinical responsibility, residents develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success in fellowship or independent practice.

We are a destination program. As a major referral center for West Michigan and beyond, we care for patients with both common neurological disorders and rare, complex diseases. Residents gain experience managing everything from migraine, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy to uncommon movement disorders, advanced neuromuscular diseases, and medically refractory epilepsy. Our epilepsy surgery and movement disorders programs provide exposure to advanced therapies, while our multidisciplinary clinics bring together experts caring for patients with ALS, Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, dementia, and other complex neurological conditions.

We are an academically driven program. Education is at the heart of what we do. Residents benefit from approximately eight hours of dedicated educational programming each week, including protected didactic time, noon reports, neuroradiology conferences, EEG conferences, EMG conferences, board review sessions, journal club, simulation experiences, and subspecialty teaching conferences led by engaged faculty. Our month long PGY-1 Neurology Boot Camp provides a strong foundation in neurological examination, localization, and clinical reasoning, while simulation-based learning and a structured curriculum help residents develop confidence in managing complex neurological emergencies and challenging clinical scenarios. Residents are also encouraged to participate in research, quality improvement, and medical education initiatives, contributing to a culture of academic curiosity, lifelong learning, and continuous improvement.

We are a supportive program. Our residents and faculty foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and shared success. We believe that outstanding neurologists are developed not only through clinical excellence, but also through resilience, well-being, and meaningful professional relationships. Through mentorship, peer support, wellness initiatives, resident retreats, and intentional resilience-building experiences, we help residents develop the skills needed to thrive throughout a long and rewarding career. We celebrate one another’s successes, support each other through challenges, and are committed to helping every resident reach their full potential.

Our graduates have successfully pursued careers in academic and community neurology, as well as fellowship training across a wide range of neurological subspecialties. Whether your future includes fellowship, academic medicine, or community practice, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Neurology is an extraordinary field, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a neurologist. We invite you to explore what makes our program special and consider joining us as we train the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and innovative neurologists.

We are truly building the future here.

Shan E Abbas, MD FAES
Neurologist & Epileptologist, Corewell Health West   
Program Director, Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/MSU Neurology Residency Program   
Associate Program Director,Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/MSU Epilepsy Fellowship Program   
Medical Director, Faculty Development, Office of Medical Education   
Clinical Associate Professor, MSU College of Human Medicine