Fellows at the Washington University Department of Neurosurgery reflect on their training and reveal the next steps in their careers.
Ananth Vellimana, MD
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Fellow
What’s next?
Joining the Department of Neurosurgery faculty here at WashU.
What is your most memorable experience while training at WashU?
The camaraderie with fellows and residents.
Why did you choose WashU for your fellowship?
The endovascular surgical neuroradiology fellowship at WashU is CAST- and ACGME- accredited with a good variety, complexity and volume of cases. During neurosurgery residency training here at WashU, I felt that our endovascular group of three neuroradiologists and one neurosurgeon, with their diverse backgrounds and varying experiences, provided a unique perspective and approach to neurovascular conditions which resulted in a strong fellowship training experience. I therefore elected to stay for my endovascular training after completing my neurosurgery residency here at WashU.
Any advice for others seeking to specialize in your area?
Look for a program that provides diverse case volume, good technical training and suits your personal/family situation.
Afshin Salehi, MD, MS
Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellow
What are your plans post-graduation?
I will be starting my “grown-up” job as a pediatric neurosurgeon at Omaha Children’s and University of Nebraska Medicine this fall. My role will primarily be as a general pediatric neurosurgeon and will involve establishing and growing the pediatric epilepsy program at Omaha Children in addition to setting up a basic science lab studying the biology of laser interstitial thermal therapy in treating various CNS diseases.
What is your most memorable experience while training at WashU?
There are many memorable moments to mention both in the OR and outside of the OR or outside of the hospital. But the day I received my first job offer was a particularly exciting and proud moment because to me it was proof that all those years of training and hard work had paid off.
Why did you choose WashU for your fellowship?
To name a few reasons: Diversity in the types of cases, exposure to common as well as most difficult and rare cases, chance to work with amazingly knowledgeable yet humble and friendly attendings, most welcoming office staff, OR nurses and staff, greatest opportunities for research and collaboration.
Jayson Lavie, MD, MS
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Fellow
What’s next?
I’ll be taking a neurointerventional position next year at Orlando Neurosurgery.
What is your most memorable experience while training at WashU?
While I can’t pinpoint one memorable experience over another, I’ll remember fondly my day-to-day interactions with the neurointerventional staff, my co-fellows, and neurosurgery team and the camaraderie we developed over such a relatively short period.
Why did you choose WashU?
I chose WashU to experience the full range of neurovascular techniques and procedures, experience emerging technologies, and to train and work in a world-class staff neurointerventional department. This program has far exceeded my expectations.
Any advice for others seeking to specialize in your area?
I’d recommend others seeking to specialize in neurointervention to seek a mentor early in training as this field is small and a close-knit group.
Alexander Yang, MD, PhD
Peripheral Nerve Fellow
What are your plans post-graduation?
I am planning to work in Locums Tenens for about three months before accepting one of two nerve centric academic positions in Neurosurgery.
What is your most memorable experience while training at WashU?
Based on my presumption of future oratory of these events, my most memorable experience would be each opportunity to work with the most incredible and accomplished staff here at WashU, especially Dr. Susan Mackinnon. I can’t expound on a single event because every day was a memorable day!
Why did you choose WashU for your fellowship? Any advice for others seeking to specialize in your area?
I chose Washington University specifically to train with Dr. Susan Mackinnon. My advice is simply to try to attain what you desire. Successful or not, you have gained experience and progressed in an endeavor.