Program Overview

The Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center at Rhode Island Hospital is affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. We are Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and recognized by the American Heart/Stroke Association  as a Gold Plus/Target Stroke Center. We consist of a dedicated team of physicians, allied health professionals and support staff that provide primary and consultative care to patients with neurovascular disorders in a tertiary care setting. Our mission is to provide exceptional care to patients with vascular neurologic disease; participate in the education and development of residents, fellows, and medical students; to advance clinical research in the vascular neurosciences; and to promote dissemination of information about stroke in the community.

Our center offers a seamless array of acute preventive and tertiary care backed by excellence in research and education. The hospital is a non-profit organization and the largest employer in Rhode Island. There are 700 beds, 1800 physicians, 600 house officers, and over 150,000 emergency department visits annually.  Our stroke faculty consists of 7 vascular neurologists at Rhode Island Hospital and 2 neurohospitalists/vascular neurologists at The Miriam Hospital. 

Rhode Island Hospital has a 24/7 TIA unit in the emergency department, a 20-bed stroke unit,  an 18-bed closed neurocritical care unit, 24/7 neurointerventional care, and 5 neurointerventionalists.  We were the first hospital in the United States to have an MRI in the ED with an adjacent biplane angio suite dedicated to endovascular therapy in acute stroke. Over 1100 patients with ischemic stroke, over 250 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, and over 90 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were treated in 2024.

In 2024, over 210 patients received intravenous thrombolysis, with a median delivery time of 40 minutes, and over 320 mechanical thrombectomies were performed.

Research studies are performed for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. We are a site for NIH StrokeNet and enroll patients in both industry and government-sponsored trials. The research team includes the research coordinator and 5 department-funded research assistants who help with enrollment in clinical trials.

In July 2024, the number of neurology residents increased from 6 to 7 with the PGY-2 class. Students from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University rotate on the stroke each month and are actively involved in the care of stroke patients. 

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of an ACGME-accredited neurology residency
• Current curriculum vitae
• Professional photo
• Personal statement
• Three letters of reference (one from the residency program director) should be uploaded to ERAS

We participate in the match by ERAS.  Our NRMP number is 1677188F0. Click here to view the match calendar. 

Accreditation Status

The program is accredited by the ACGME. Our program number is 1884318001. 

Length of training

1 year, July 1st-June 30th

Training schedule

• 24 weeks Vascular Neurology Inpatient service
• 6 weeks Consults at The Miriam Hospital (Primary Stroke Center)
• 4 weeks Neuro-ICU
• 2 weeks Neurosonology
• 2 weeks Neuroradiology / Neurointerventional Radiology
• 1 week Neurorehabilitation
• 1 week Telestroke
• 7 weeks Elective (6 track specific)
• 1 week of CME
• 4 weeks of Vacation
• 1 half-day of clinic per week (on most rotations)

Optional Tracks

As of 2020, fellows have the option to select a track to enhance and focus their training.  The four tracks are Endovascular, Neurohospitalist, Neurorehabilitation and Research.  Tracks will be distinguished within the vascular neurology fellowship by track specific electives, and completion of a designated track will be noted on your fellowship certificate.

On Call

While on the vascular neurology inpatient rotation, fellows will take 2 calls during the week and 1 weekend call.  There is no call while on other rotations. Call responsibilities include leading vascular ward rounds, supervising code strokes with residents directly or indirectly, and staffing consults and admissions to the stroke service.

Educational Conferences and sample vascular inpatient schedule

Click here to view a description of all recurring conferences on the residency page

Faculty & Staff

A roster of our faculty and staff can be found on the Comprehensive Stroke Center page

How to Apply

Please contact Dr. Christoph Stretz (Fellowship Director) at [email protected] or call 401-444-8806.