Department of Neurological Surgery
Training & Education

Clerkship Program

Are you a patient?
Visiting Clerkships

Clerkship Program

We welcome fourth year medical students to apply for a visiting clerkship. The description of the clerkship is below. A formal application must be filed through VSLO and will be processed through the Keck School of Medicine of USC. We encourage you to apply within the first week applications open.  There will be a selection process, and applications will be approved as soon as possible.

We look forward to having you come and experience our program.

Neurological surgery faculty

Details for 2026 Season

2/15/26: VSLO Catalog listing available  – be sure to look for Keck School of Medicine of USC

3/8/26: Begin accepting VSLO Applications

Decisions for application submitted in the first week should be out by the first week of April.

Rotation dates available:

July 6 – July 31, 2026

July 20 – August 14, 2026

Aug 3 – August 28, 2026

August 17 – September 10, 2026

August 31 – September 25, 2026

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Recognize basic neuroradiographic findings.
  • Perform a neurologic exam.
  • Take a neurologic history.
  • Present patient at bedside rounds.
  • Assist in basic procedures and operations.

Supervision

50% Residents
50% Faculty

Evaluation

No formal written or oral tests given. A short 15-minute topical presentation will be required for fourth year students who will be applying to the Neurosurgery Residency Program. Students’ performance is assessed by the faculty and residents who work with them for effort, proficiency and behavior. The staff will evaluate the individual student, and the preceptor will summarize the overall performance in the student evaluation form. Students who have problems will be counseled as needed.

Contact

Program Director

Gabriel Zada, MD

(323) 409-7422

Coordinator

Kathy Guzman

(323) 409-7422

Duration: 4 weeks
Number of students: Variable
Visiting students: Yes