Child Neurology Residency Training Program

Image of the Novak Center

The Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, and the Department of Pediatrics offers three five-year Categorical positions per year, whereby qualified applicants may apply for their two-year preliminary training in pediatrics along with their three-year training in child neurology, both at the University of Louisville. Those interested in applying must apply for the Categorical five-year position through ERAS. Interested individuals may contact either Dominique Hurt in the Department of Neurology at (502) 852-8426 or via email at neuroedu@louisville.edu or Brittney Luckett in the Department of Pediatrics at (502) 629-8828 or via email at  for further information.

The University of Louisville Child Neurology Residency Training Program is open to all eligible faculty, staff, residents, and students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

Mission:

The University of Louisville Child Neurology training program is committed to training the best and brightest child neurologists of the future! 

The first two years involves excellent training in pediatrics through the department of pediatrics.  At that time, you will learn the essentials to pediatrics, grow in your comfort with care of children, have excellent mentorship in the humanism of medicine, and build skills in leadership.

After this, the final three years are in neurology and child neurology.  These years offer an excellent breadth and depth of training with increased expertise and responsibility as the resident progresses. Espousing the ideal to “localize the smallest possible lesion”; our classic training emphasizes detailed history-taking and examination skills. Coupled with state-of-the-art clinical resources, the curriculum allows the resident to hone their clinical acumen over three years.

Training includes protected didactic time for a weekly-organized lecture series, Grand Rounds, Case Conference and Journal Club. A successful academic is fostered through exposure to faculty-driven research programs and clinical trials, with assistance with publications while a resident. Our faculty mentorship program matches residents with faculty of similar subspecialty interests, helping them plan. Adult neurology faculty sub-specialty interests include cognitive neurology, vascular/critical care, interventional neurology, epilepsy, neuromuscular disease, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis/neuro-immunology and headache. Child neurology faculty sub-specialty interests include movement disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neuro-genetics, neuro-oncology, multiple sclerosis/neuro-immunology neuromuscular disease, stroke and headache. It is the ultimate goal of our program to construct and solidify a strong foundation upon which a successful career in child neurology will be built. To achieve the mission the program has expanded to three positions per year, with plans on continuing to expand in the future. In addition, the Child Neurology Division has expanded its faculty to a complement of 14 faculty members. All subspecialty areas within Child Neurology are represented in our program.

Learn more about our:Picture of Norton Children's Hospital

Child Neurology Program Leadership

Christopher R. Barton, MD
Program Director, Child Neurology
Email


Cullen Marshall, MD
Associate Program Director, Child Neurology
Email


Dominique W. Hurt, BS
Coordinator
Email


Pediatrics Residency Program

Sara Multerer, MD
Program Director, Pediatrics Residency
Email


Brittney Luckett, C-TAGME
Program Manager, Pediatrics Medical Education
Email

Current Child Neurology Residents and Fellow(s)

PGY - 6 Epilepsy Fellow (2024)

Jaime Shoup, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: neurodevelopment with a focus on autism
Personal Interests: spending time with family, drawing, playing guitar, and hiking

PGY - 5 (2024)

Erika Chandler, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: general child neurology
Personal Interests: cooking, trying new restaurants in Louisville, exploring parks with my puppy Winston, my son, and travel with my husband


Jake 'CJ' Sadle, DO(he/him/his)

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Ostepathic Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: neurogenetics, cerebral palsy, brain computer interfaces
Personal Interests: talking about the brain with friends, cooking weird foods, games martial arts, and spending time outdoors


Michael Hendricks, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: neurogenetics, neurofibromatosis
Personal Interests: table top board games, exercise, reading about history (Roman), gardening, and spending time with my wife and children

PGY 4 (2025)

Erin McCoy, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, neuroimmunology and headaches
Personal Interests: travel, baking, gardening, listening to and seeing musicals and theater shows, hanging out with my husband and cat


Ayush Gupta, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
Academic/Clinical Interests: Quality Improvement (QI) and neuroimmunology
Personal Interests: trail walks, outdoor running, cooking, and trying new vegan recipes


Lester 'Max' Gallivan, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: headaches, neonatal neurology and neuroimmunology
Personal Interests: watching movies, board games. reading comics, and tending bar in my free time

PGY - 3 (2026) - Adult Neurology Focused

Keerthana Bathala, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta


Jacob 'Jake' Ritchie, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville
Academic/Clinical Interests: epilepsy and headaches
Personal Interests: anything outdoors (hiking, kayaking, sailing, ultimate frisbee) and playing with my son and black lab

PGY - 2 (2027) - Pediatrics Focused

Hana Danieli, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Academic/Clinical Interests: neuro critical care, epilepsy
Personal Interests: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, biking, hiking, crafting, painting, reading, and exploring new restaurants


Chandler Lichtefeld, MD(he/him/his)

Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: general child neurology, movement disorders
Personal Interests: spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, traveling, water skiing, swimming, snow skiing, and sand volleyball


Nidhi Ravishankar, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: Windsor University School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: vascular/stroke and neurocritical care
Personal Interests: anything outdoors that keeps me active, playing music, going to live shows, and trying new cuisines

PGY - 1 (2028) - Pediatrics Focused

Gabriella Tison-Brandon, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: undecided child neurology
Personal Interests: baking, tap dancing, musical theatre, reading, and traveling. I also love spending time with my family, husband, and two cats


Rozena Nandedwalla, MD(she/her/hers)

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: undecided child neurology
Personal Interests: exploring new cities, going on food adventures, DIY crafts, binge-watching tv


Charles Benton, DO(he/him/his)

Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic/Clinical Interests: undecided child neurology
Personal Interests: spending time with friends and family, hiking, skiing, white water rafting, cooking, sports, music, and learning new things


2022 Graduation Ceremony


Program Graduates

2023

Paul Gong, MD (Headache Fellowship - Cincinnati Children's) & Jaime Shoup, MD (Epilepsy Fellowship, U of L)

2022

Tyler Burr, DO (Epilepsy Fellowship - UTSW) & Anna Thamann, MD (General Child Neurology - University of Kentucky)

2021

Grant Turek, MD (Neurophysiology - U of L - now faculty at Dayton Children's)

2020

Kshama Ojha, MD (Epilepsy Fellowship - Children's Mercy in KC - now faculty at Children's Mercy)

2019

Christopher R. Barton, MD (Faculty - U of L - Movement Disorders)

2018

Sonam Bhalla, MD (Epilepsy - New York Presbyterian Hospital - now faculty at Children's Hospital of Atlanta)

2016

Safiullah Shareef, MD (Neuromuscular Fellowship - UTSW - now faculty at Texas Child Neurology) 

2015

Yathish Haralur, MD (Vascular Neurology - UTSW, Headache Fellowship - Dent Neurological Institute - faculty at University of Mississippi)

2014

Kashif Ali Mir, MD (Epilepsy Fellowship - Texas Children's at Baylor - now faculty at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia)

2010

Anna Ehret, MD (Faculty - U of L)


Graduate Testimonials

Block Diagram

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PGY 3ULHULHULHULHULHJHULPULPULPElectiveElectiveElective
PGY 4Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient
Pediatric
Neuro
Rad
Pediatric
Neuro
Rehab
Neuro
Genetics
Neuro
Phys
ElectiveElectiveElective
PGY 5Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient
Child Neuro
Inpatient

Neuro
Ophth

NovakULPElective/
Research
Elective/
Research
Elective/
Research
Elective/
Research
Elective/
Research
Elective/
Research

Participating Sites:

ULH - University of Louisville Hospital
NCH - Norton Children's Hospital
ULP - UofL Physicians - Neurology
FR - Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
Novak - Novak Center for Children's Health
NH - Norton Hospital - Downtown
JH - Jewish Hospital


Elective Opportunities

  • Epilepsy/EEG
  • Headache
  • Multiple Sclerosis/Neuroimmunology
  • Movement Disorders
  • Neurobehavioral
  • Neuromuscular/EMG/NCV
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurogenetics
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Regular Research
  • Stroke/Intervention

Notes
Residents are allotted 28 vacation days per year that must be taken during outpatient elective month.
Residents have one-half day of continuity clinic per week

Benefits/Perks

2023 UofL Benefits Guide


Program & Fringe Benefits/ Resident Stipends

  • Annual paid membership to the American Academy of Neurology
  • Annual Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure paid renewals
  • Educational allowance for books, tools, or technology
  • Department hosted social events such as monthly virtual meets, Ice cream socials, apple orchard/pumpkin patch trips, Pumpkin carving party, Holiday gift exchanges, Gingerbread Cookie Decorating, Annual karaoke outings, Faculty hosted Pot-lucks, Mardi-Gras Party and Graduation celebrations!
  • Paid travel & conference registration to one (1) national conference
  • Additional nominations by Program Director/ Faculty to receive scholarships to other conference
  • 4 weeks’ paid vacation
  • Free Louisville TARC bus fare with UofL ID badge
  • Free on-call meal tickets for University Hospital during PGY3 year
  • Free Uber transportation program- when too fatigued to drive home
  • Varied food trucks available in walking distance
  • Discounted membership at all Planet Fitness gym locations
  • CARDS Special Discount Program at Kroger and/or Jay C Food stores
  • Optional, pre-paid legal services
  • Two (2) new lab coats each year with opportunity to purchase more
  • Free program gear such as personalized jackets or vests
  • Job/Fellowship Placement assistance
  • Opportunity to ticket raffles for events such as basketball, baseball, museums, etc.
  • Discounted UofL Athletic tickets
  • Discounts at UofL bookstore and other retail discounts
  • Computer Purchase Program through UofL 
  • Supportive Leadership, Faculty and Education Office Staff!

Fringe Benefits:

  • Life Insurance |Term life insurance is provided for all residents, in the amount of $2000 of life insurance for each $1000 of annual stipend. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included.
  • Health Insurance | Single and family coverage is available at group rates. Several different plans at varying costs are available to choose from. Residents may choose Premium Conversion, which permits payment of premiums with pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts also available.
  • Workers Compensation |All residents are covered by workers compensation for medical expenses and lost work time due to job-related illness or injury.
  • Disability Insurance | Long-term disability insurance is provided for residents, free of charge. Residents have the option of converting the coverage from group to individual at the end of their training, and the option of purchasing additional coverage at very reduced rates.
  • Malpractice Insurance | Coverage is provided for all residents by either the University of Louisville or by the hospitals to which residents are assigned. This coverage applies to all assigned rotations that are part of residency training, as detailed on the reverse side of the resident agreement. (See Section XIX, Malpractice Coverage).
  • Dental Care and Coverage | The Faculty Practice Office in the Outpatient Care Center will provide annual examination, including cleaning and up to four bitewing x-rays, to residents free of charge. Any additional services are the responsibility of the resident. Residents can call 852-5401 for information. Residents may also purchase, at group rates, dental insurance in both single and family plans.
  • Employee Assistance Program | An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to residents and fellows at no charge and provides confidential counseling, assessment and referral services. The program deals with the broad range of issues such as emotional/behavioral, family and marital, alcohol and/or drug, financial, legal, and other personal problems. These services are provided by Anthem.
  • Medical Licensure | Kentucky state law requires that all PGY-2 and above trainees be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Kentucky. The fee for the initial training license is paid by the Graduate Medical Education Office for the PGY-1's who continue as PGY-2's in U of L programs.
  • Campus Health Service Office | Hepatitis B immunization and an annual TB skin test are required and furnished free of charge to all residents. The Campus Health Services Office provides minor urgent medical care and immunizations, including boosters and TB testing. Personal counseling is also available. The Campus Health Services Office also serves as an on-site treatment facility for workers compensation related injuries and exposures including needle sticks, and as the repository of resident immunization records and exposure data. The office is staffed by board certified faculty physicians and faculty nurse practitioners who have extensive primary care and occupational exposure experience.
  • Vacation (Annual Leave) | Postgraduate physicians are entitled to 28 calendar days of vacation for each twelve-month period.
  • Lab Coats | Lab coats are provided by departments for residents at the beginning of their training.
  • Library Privileges and Services | Residents have library privileges at the medical school library (Kornhauser Health Sciences Library) and at all affiliated hospitals. Available services include electronic literature searches and interlibrary loan service.Audiovisual equipment, as well as computers and computer software, are made available to residents through the library. Through the Kornhauser Library’s website (http://library.louisville.edu/kornhauser/), residents have access to thousands of electronic journals via Medline and online e-journal collections. Residents can search the library’s catalog or view a collection of electronic textbooks and reference materials online.
  • Counseling Services | Professional counseling is available to residents through the Health Sciences Center Campus Health Services.Counseling services are also available through the University of Louisville Employee Assistance Program. See Section III.D (Campus Health Services Office) for additional counseling options.
  • Recreational Facilities | Free membership to the HSC Fitness Center is available to all HSC residents, students, staff and faculty. The Fitness Center is conveniently located in the Chestnut Street Parking Garage, and includes weight machines, free weights, and 20 pieces of aerobic equipment. Aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. In addition, a swimming pool and recreational facilities on Belknap Campus are also available to residents, through the Intramural and Recreational Sports Office, the Student Activities Center, and Crawford Gymnasium.
  • Medical and Personal Leave | Paid medical leave up to 90 days is available in cases of extended personal illness. Residents are covered under the Graduate Medical Student Leave Policy, which provides up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for personal or family illness. Personal leave is available at the discretion of the Department Chair.
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave | Female residents may use a combination of vacation and program director discretionary leave time to cover up to 42 days of paid post-partum leave. Leave of absence longer than 42 days is taken as unpaid leave. Male residents  may use annual leave or unpaid leave under the Graduate Medical Student Leave policy.
  • Lactation Rooms | Lactation rooms are at various locations on the Health Sciences Campus. Current locations available at https://louisville.edu/womenscenter/resources/lactation-information.
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts | Residents may establish accounts to convert tax-free benefit dollars within the limits established by the IRS. Flexible spending accounts provide pre-tax dollars to be used toward medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and daycare expenses. The monies are reimbursed to the resident for expenses incurred.
  • Parking | Parking permits are provided to residents by either their program or the GME office at no cost to the resident.
  • Retirement Plan | The University of Louisville House Staff are eligible to participate in the 403(b) retirement plan by electing to contribute to the voluntary Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options. The contributions in the Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options are not matched by the University.
  • Greater Louisville Medical Society Membership | The Graduate Medical Education office greatly encourages residents to contribute to their community and improve the future of their profession through leadership and advocacy. In that spirit, the Graduate Medical Education Office is providing membership to the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS) and the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) at no cost to GME contracted residents and fellows.