UCLA Goldberg Migraine Program
UCLA Headache and Facial Pain Fellowship
Where science meets excellence in clinical care
Program Overview
The UCLA Goldberg Migraine Program is one of the largest headache programs in the United-States with nine board-certified headache specialists, including three faculty members with dual-training in headache and interventional pain. Our program accepts two fellows per year and offers a 12 to 24-month UCNS-accredited fellowship. The training focuses on evaluation and treatment of a diverse array of adult and pediatric headache syndromes. Our program offers exposure to traumatic brain injury, sports medicine and opportunities for additional training in aspects of interventional pain medicine. We boast a diverse patient population and a broad range of exposure to lesser seen headache and facial pain syndromes. Fellows will become adept and highly skilled at various headache based procedures as described below. Opportunities for research abound and are encouraged.
Unique Aspects of the Program:
- Opportunities for basic science, translational and clinical research with world-renowned experts
- Diverse and international faculty
- Advanced treatment options
- Medical ultrasound training (optional)
Training and Curriculum
Clinical Care:
- Our fellows learn to provide care for patients with simple and complex headache and facial pain syndrome including migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, atypical facial pain, primary headache disorders, and secondary headache disorders
- Over the course of the academic year, fellows are given gradual autonomy in seeing patients and performing procedures more independently based on competency
- Trainees will have 4.5 days of clinic per week with 1 half-day dedicated to independent learning. More time can be carved out for research based on individual interests
- Trainees will be rotating through our TBI clinic 2 half-days per month
- Procedures include Botulinum toxin chemodenervation, occipital nerve blocks, trigeminal (occipital, supraorbital, auriculotemporal) nerve blocks, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, trigger point injections, and ultrasound-guided tendon injections of the upper back
Didactics:
- Weekly lecture series from faculty on key topics in Headache medicine during the first quarter
- Weekly meeting with all headache clinicians to discuss challenging cases
- Monthly Journal club throughout the academic year
- Simulation devices available for medical ultrasound training
Research:
- Learn about the program's basic and clinical research efforts, and read recent publications, here.
Professional Development
Fellows are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in regional and national conferences. The program provides financial support for registration and travel costs. Our fellows routinely attend the following annual meetings:
- AHS Scottsdale Headache Symposium
- International Headache Academy at UCLA Luskin Center
- Headache Cooperative of the Pacific (HCOP) Winter Symposium
- AHS Annual Scientific Meeting
Application Process
Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled in or a Graduate of a residency program accredited by the Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Must be board certified or board-eligible in a primary ABMS or RCPSC, AOA, CFPC
- Eligible for full California medical licensure
- Please review list of common requirements by UCNS
Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two to three letter of recommendations (two should be from a neurologist and at least one of them from a headache specialist)
- One to two page statement of interest in headache medicine and in UCLA Headache and Facial Pan Fellowship Program
Timeline:
- We follow the timeline as laid out by the NRMP match
- Applications open in March, interviews are offered by mid-April, and Match Day is in August
Contact Information:
- For more information, please contact [email protected]
- Fellowship Director: Chelsea Hesterman, M.D.
To learn more about the UCLA Goldberg Migraine Program, click here.
Care Team
Fellow Testimonials
Barlas Benkli, MD
At UCLA Headache I feel like we use all the cutting-edge treatments for our patients, and we are always up to date with the latest developments. We get the chance to learn from the world's leading headache specialists which broadens our horizon about the future of headache medicine. Furthermore, unique to our program, we use a broad array of interventional treatments which provides us with a very valuable skill set for our careers.
Molly Fensterwald, MD
Fellowship training at the Goldberg Migraine Program offers the opportunity to learn the nuances of headache medicine in an especially collaborative and supportive environment. A major plus of the program is the combination of structure and flexibility that allows fellows to explore individual interests, whether it be in education, interventional procedures, or research with top leaders in the field.
Karla Minota, MD
The experience of training at the UCLA Goldberg Migraine Program has offered me a profound appreciation for the diverse spectrum of headache disorders. This program continuously challenges me to meticulously diagnose and manage the most intricate of headache cases. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished headache specialists in the country, whose insights continually enhance my understanding of the nuances of this field of study.
Fatima Traore, MD
My favorite part of fellowship is the amazing people I get to work with and the advanced tools at my disposal to provide outstanding clinical care. I get to learn in a collegial atmosphere, from some of the best in my field. A unique feature is medical ultrasound which is an amazing set of skills to have as a neurologist.
To learn more about our current fellows, please head to our Meet Our Fellows page.