Neurosurgery
Fellowship Programs
Welcome to the Neurosurgery Fellowship Programs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson! The Department of Neurosurgery offers three fellowship programs that prepare the next generation of specialty physicians for independent practice and to be Board-eligible for the AAP subspecialties.
R. John Hurlbert, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS
Clinical Specialties
The Complex Spring Neurosurgery Fellowship Program is a one-year post-residency fellowship open to qualified orthopedic and neurological surgeons. The fellowship provides advanced training in complex spinal disorders, including:
- Degenerative disease
- Trauma (blunt and penetrating)
- Infection
- Spinal oncology
- Deformities
Fellows gain expertise in evaluating, diagnosing and managing complex spinal conditions beyond standard residency training.
The program includes:
- Clinical evaluation and patient management in inpatient and outpatient settings
- Supervised surgical training with advanced techniques
- Integration of operative and non-operative treatment approaches
- Research opportunities in clinical, anatomic, biomechanical and neuroscience fields
First Year
Fellows begin building a strong foundation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics through weekly Fellows Clinic and participation in didactic lectures and journal club. They also initiate the development of a research protocol and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration through the ArizonaLEND Program.
Core clinical rotations include:
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Feeding Disorders
- Cerebral Palsy
- Neuromuscular Clinic
- Sleep Clinic
Second Year
Fellows gain advanced expertise in evaluating, diagnosing and managing complex spinal conditions beyond standard residency training. In addition to participating in a weekly Fellows Clinic and engaging in didactic lectures and journal club, fellows also begin designing and collecting data for a research project. Their academic development is supported through coursework in biostatistics and scientific writing.
Key clinical and experiential components include:
- Continued clinical work in the Developmental-Behavioral Clinic and Behavior Clinic
- Evaluations at the Crisis Response Center
- Evaluations at Casa de los Niños
Third Year
Fellows continue to refine their clinical and academic skills through ongoing participation in the weekly Fellows Clinic and didactic lectures and journal club. A key milestone of this final year is the completion and presentation of their research project, demonstrating their ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Key components include:
- Didactic Lectures and Journal Club
- Completion and Presentation of Research Project
- Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, 1625 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
- University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724
- Banner – University Medical Center North Campus, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
R. John Hurlbert, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS
Clinical Specialties
The Department of Neurosurgery offers a 12-month enfolded fellowship in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery for qualified PGY-7 residents or post-residency neurosurgeons at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson.
This comprehensive program provides advanced clinical and research training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical management of functional and movement disorders, with a focus on stereotactic systems, neuromodulation, and the integration of operative and non-operative therapies.
Key elements include:
- Advanced training in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
- Hands-on experience with framed and frameless stereotactic systems, radiosurgery, electrical recording and stimulation
- Exposure to treating movement disorders, epilepsy, chronic pain, degenerative diseases, neurological injuries and psychiatric disorders
Clinical Exposure
- Preoperative evaluation and indications for surgery (Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, tremor, etc.)
- Collaborative care with referring MDs, neurologists, psychologists and other specialists
- Initial exposure to neurophysiological localization (microelectrode recording/macrostimulation for DBS)
- Placement of neuromodulation hardware and programming
Didactic Learning
- In-depth study of pathophysiology of movement disorders, spinal cord stimulation, and theoretical bases for lesioning and electrical stimulation
- Introduction to basic elements of translational research
Advanced Clinical Skills
- Focused practice in image-guided DBS (MER/MRI) and spinal cord stimulation techniques
- Continued collaboration with multidisciplinary teams for surgical planning
- Programming and management of neuromodulation hardware
Research Activities
- Participation in clinical trials
- Start working on manuscript preparation, focusing on neuromodulation
Independent Research and Presentation
- Completion of at least one publication on neuromodulation
- Presentation of research at Grand Rounds
Advanced Clinical and Surgical Competency
- Full responsibility for the management of neuromodulation patients (pre-, intra- and postoperative care)
- Completion of any remaining clinical rotations and practice in the swine laboratory for specific projects
Final Evaluation and Transition
Preparation for independent practice in an academic or non-academic setting
- Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, 1625 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
- University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724
- Banner – University Medical Center Neurosciences Research Laboratory, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724 check name/address, 1501 is COM-T not Banner
- Banner – University Medical Center North, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
- Southern Arizona Veteran’s Administration Health Care System, 3601 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85723
Fellows receive structured, full-time training under the guidance of specialized faculty, gaining hands-on experience in advanced neurosurgical procedures.
Graduates of the program have gone on to lead in academic medicine, research and specialized neurosurgical practice.
Fellowship Leadership
Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Paul S. Larson, MD, FAANS
Martin E. Weinand, MD
Clinical Specialties
Program Coordinator
Neurology Leaders
Mohab Ibrahim, PhD, MD
Hong Lei, MD, PhD
Clinical Specialties
Scott J. Sherman, MD, PhD
The Department of Neurosurgery offers a pre-residency fellowship providing comprehensive training across all neurosurgical subspecialties. This program is designed for graduates of LCME-accredited medical schools seeking hands-on experience before residency. Highlights include:
- Exposure to the full spectrum of neurological surgery
- Hands-on experience in patient evaluation, diagnosis and management
- Opportunity to present a Grand Rounds lecture to faculty and house officers
Fellows will gain clinical experience in neurosurgical subspecialties, participate in patient care and engage in academic activities, including case discussions and research opportunities.
- Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
- University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
- Banner – University Medical Center North
Fellow Leadership
Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Martin E. Weinand, MD
Clinical Specialties
R. John Hurlbert, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS
Clinical Specialties
Paul S. Larson, MD, FAANS
Ilknur Telkes, PhD, MS
Qualified applicants must be graduates of an LCME-accredited medical school and eligible for an Arizona Board of Medical Examiners Transitional Training Permit (AZ Medical Board - Licensure).
The 2025-2026 fellowship position is filled. Recruitment for 2026-2027 begins in Spring 2026.
To apply, submit the following to Julie Schippers:
- Letter of Interest
- CV (no gaps from undergraduate to present)
- Proof of passing USMLE/COMLEX on first attempt
- Three letters of recommendation
- MSPE
- Medical school transcripts
Application review begins February 2026. Final selections are made by mid-March 2026.
Training in Tucson
Learn about salary and benefits, as well as things to do in Tucson, our desert climate, and the region’s culture.
Be better prepared to serve your Spanish-speaking patients.
We’re committed to providing resources to support your well-being.
Practice in developing nations, learning from experts abroad.
Learn about events across the college or filter results according to interest.