WSO Neuroendovascular Fellowship Training Program (updated)

07 Mar 2025

WSO launched the Neuroendovascular Fellowship Training Program to expand access to neurointerventional care in low- to middle-income countries where such services are currently limited or unavailable. This initiative provides physicians from these regions with the opportunity to train for one or two years at high-volume neurointerventional centers worldwide. Designed for specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, or radiology, the program combines a comprehensive educational curriculum with hands-on clinical experience across a wide range of neurovascular diseases and treatments. Upon completion, fellows will return to their home countries, equipped with the skills and expertise to diagnose and treat complex neuroendovascular conditions, ultimately strengthening local stroke care and healthcare systems.

“Millions of people worldwide require neurointerventional and stroke care but lack access to specialists trained to treat these complex conditions,” said Dr. Violiza Inoa, neurointerventionalist at Semmes Murphey Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, and chair and program director of the WSO Fellowship. “This program aims to bridge that gap by providing physicians with advanced training at some of the world’s leading healthcare institutions, pairing them with expert mentors, and equipping them with the specialized skills needed to serve patients in their home countries. As a native of the Dominican Republic, I have seen firsthand the disparities in care faced by developing countries. Through this fellowship, we hope to create lasting change—not just in my home country but in underserved communities worldwide.”

WSO is seeking training institutions in developed nations to welcome fellows. Requirements include:

Appointing a program site director.
Committing to training fellows for a minimum of one year, ideally two, to provide formal neurointerventional training with extensive hands-on experience.
Accessing each fellow to a wide number of endovascular cases, including diagnostic and treatment procedures, to ensure an adequate exposure to diverse cerebrovascular pathology and endovascular care.
Provide a multidisciplinary educational environment with exposure to neurosurgery, neuroradiology, vascular neurology, neurocritical care, and advanced neuroimaging.

The WSO is accepting applications for the fellowship starting from March 13th. The program seeks candidates who share a commitment to return to their country of origin to practice neurointervention. Criteria for candidates also include completed training in an accredited neurology, neurosurgery or neuroradiology/interventional radiology program; and holding a valid medical license in their respective country.

In addition to Dr. Inoa, the leadership team members for the fellowship program are Dr. Sheila Martins, former WSO President; Dr. Gillian Gordon Perue, neurologist at the University of Miami; Dr. Ryna Then, neurologist at Jefferson University; and Dr. Nitin Goyal, neurointerventionalist at Semmes Murphey and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The fellowship will also be overseen by the Fellowship Advisory Board, consisting of experienced neurointerventional leaders who will ensure high training standards, facilitate institutional partnerships, and support trainee education.

Visit the International Neurointerventional Fellowship page

A Guide to Neurointerventional Training Under the International WSO NIR Fellowship (recording)