We asked our residents: what do you like most about the UF Neurology program?
“On my interview day, UF amazed me! I was overwhelmed by the friendliness shown by the residents and staff. It was clear that the camaraderie was strong and the residents were a valuable part of the team. UF offers remarkable academics, extensive subspecialty exposure, and comprehensive referral cases, providing the opportunity to explore the depths of neurology. With all of this, combined with its location, I knew UF was the best place for me to succeed!” – Jessica Marino, PGY1
“I was completely shocked with how much I loved my interview at UF. I instantly felt at ease during the interviews with faculty, I was able to share many laughs as if I had known them forever! Chatting with the current residents was one of the best times on my interview trail because of how happy and funny everyone was. It felt like an environment I was already a part of. That paired with its variety of specialty tracks and subspecialty opportunities, I knew I would learn how to be the best neurologist I could be.” – Maddie Starcher, PGY1
“I knew from online research that UF is a place of abundant opportunities to grow in general neurology and in sub-specialties. Although UF is impressive academically, what I could not have read or witnessed prior to my sub-internship was the outstanding character of my future chiefs, senior residents, and attendings. After my sub-I, I raved to every applicant that I encountered (even while I was at other institutions), that every UF resident and attending I encountered actively invested in my academic betterment, built me up, advised me (while I was there and when it came time to make my rank list), and supported my physical and mental well-being despite their own busy schedules and to-do lists. I was selling UF even before I matched here! On the interview “trail,” you will hear the same answers over and over. So how do you pick a program? Hitch your wagon to the stars. These people shine bright, pack positive attitudes and are the warmest, happiest, most welcoming, and most competent, well-rounded residents that I encountered during my sub-Is and interviews. Plus, the hospital has big windows, a pond with turtles and birds, and the coffee shop is really good. See you soon super star!” – Abbigail Stidham, PGY2
“When I interviewed at the University of Florida for Neurology, I was immediately struck by the supportive and welcoming environment. The resident camaraderie was so genuine—it was clear this was a place where people really cared for each other and worked as a team. What really sealed it for me was how much the program aligned with my values. I’m passionate about community-centered care, and UF’s Mobile Outreach Clinic is such a great example of how the program actively engages with underserved populations. It’s the kind of work I want to be part of as a physician. For me, UF Neurology checked all the boxes—strong clinical training, meaningful community involvement, and a team that feels like family.” – Shwetha Sanapoori, PGY1
“When I think about my future as a neurologist, I want to be part of a community I can truly be proud of. The University of Florida’s neurology program is that community for me. I was overwhelmed with excitement when I received my interview invitation. Despite knowing their prestige, the main reason I chose the University of Florida for neurology was due to my meaningful interactions with faculty on interview day. The dedication and passion I saw from my interviewers and senior residents demonstrated everything that excites me about becoming a neurologist. I imagine being part of a program that offers more than incredible clinical training. My decision to place the University of Florida neurology program at the top of my list was influenced by the combination of incredible mentorship, diverse clinical experiences, rich research opportunities, and community. I am so excited to contribute to the field of neurology as a gator and continue its tradition of excellence while embracing everything that Florida offers.” – Douglas Bettarelli, PGY1
“I chose the University of Florida because of the welcoming environment nurtured by all healthcare professionals. I had the opportunity to rotate at both Shands Hospital and the Fixel Institute before applying for a neurology residency, and I was extremely impressed by the people in the neurology department. Faculty, residents, nurses, advanced practice providers… Everyone I met was passionate about teaching and excelled at patient care. Building a work environment like the one we have at UF is extremely difficult, requiring a lot of thought and care from all levels of leadership. This was the deciding factor for my decision to rank the University of Florida; I wanted to be part of the amazing neurology team while learning how to foster groups with those characteristics.” – Luis Silva, PGY2
“I chose UF Health because I believe it provides the best training and offers the most opportunity of any program I applied to. During my interview, I was blown away by the amount of subspecialty training and fellowship positions available within UF Neurology, and I cannot imagine a better place to start my lifelong career as a neurologist. The faculty and residents have this incredible culture of camaraderie that I am honored to be a part of and hope to contribute to.” – Steven Carter, PGY3
“I remember saying, “Wow. UF’s program is phenomenal!” when I called my mother to tell her how the interview went. I was so impressed not only by the friendliness of the faculty and residents but how devoted they were to treating neurological conditions in their local community. I appreciated the great breath of sub-specialty exposure and UF’s commitment to medical education. I realized that I would learn so much here and would have a supportive community cheering me on!” – Brianna Alex, PGY4“Rotating through UF’s neurology department as a medical student gave me firsthand insight into the breadth of its patient population, the remarkable diversity of clinical presentations that come through its doors, and, most memorably, the warmth and collegiality of its faculty and residents. It struck the perfect balance between intellectually stimulating cases and a supportive, welcoming environment. Beyond the clinical experience, I was deeply impressed by UF’s philosophy of medical education—one that emphasizes not just knowledge, but also character and collaboration. From Dr. Ameli’s guiding principle of the Three A’s (Availability, Affability, and Ability) to the department’s commitment to shaping well-rounded clinicians and individuals, UF fosters a culture that resonates deeply with my own values. It’s a place where I know I will continue to grow, both as a neurologist and as a person.” – Brice Sewell, PGY1
“I remember feeling lots of wows during my interview with UF. From the wide variety of subspecialty services and renowned faculty to exceptional research and community outreach opportunities – UF just shines in every way. Yet what struck me even more was the warmth and support from the faculty. After having several joyful and eye-opening discussions about the field with them and being recommended books, I remember thinking – This is how much they care about young professionals and the field. I knew I would be in good hands.” – Xiaojun Li, PGY2
“UF Neurology was my top choice for residency because of its academic curriculum and research opportunities. I felt welcomed during my interview and was blown away by the positive culture and accomplishments of the faculty and residents. UF has no shortage of subspecialty exposure which will allow me to become a well-rounded neurologist. In addition, the city of Gainesville is beautiful and somewhere I see myself living for a long time. I am very excited to be a gator and embrace the culture of UF. Go Gators!” – Sebastian Edwards, PGY2
“My interview at UF was my best interview day experience and I immediately felt a sense of connection to both the faculty and residents. Everyone was genuinely happy to be there and very welcoming. I was also blown away by the research opportunities available, exposure to every subspecialty you could think of, as well as how well-rounded the schedule was for residents providing great training in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Another big deciding factor for me personally was that several of my medical school mentors are a product of the UF Neurology residency program, so being able to follow in the footsteps of some of the best neurologists I know is a true honor!” – Neha Saini, PGY2
“Putting aside its high reputation and the fact that my family is currently living in Florida, I tried to go into my interview with UF with unbiased objectivity. I distinctly remember concluding that day and answering my family’s anticipatory phone call with “that…was totally awesome.” I was blown away by the most genuine sense of community and support that I felt, more so than any other program I had interviewed at. I knew that UF would be a place that would allow me to be happy and thrive as a person while also becoming a rock-solid neurologist.” – Scott Crawford, PGY3
“On my interview trail, UF stood out as a genuinely supportive program with excellent peer camaraderie and faculty mentorship. I was also impressed by the research options and dedicated tracks, brand new facilities, excellent subspecialty exposure, and the large catchment area. UF had everything I was looking for in a training program with the added bonus of being located in an affordable college town and only an hour drive to either coast.” – Rory Weston, PGY4
“I chose UF for my neurology training because, from the very beginning, it felt like I belonged. I was fortunate to have worked with the exceptional residents, fellows, and faculty while a medical student at the University of Florida and noted that all students, whether training at UF or visiting, whether pursuing neurology or applying to other specialties, were welcomed into a friendly, relaxed environment of educators eager to spread their infectious love of neurology. Everyone was eager to teach, but more importantly truly invested in one another’s growth in the field. The strong sense of mentorship, support, and camaraderie made a lasting impression. Combined with access to exceptional educators, diverse clinical exposure, and a wide range of cases, from foundational to rare and complex, it was clear UF was the perfect place for me to continue my training. Even after interviewing with other programs, the culture at the University of Florida left a positive, lasting impression and I was eager to continue my studies here.” – Emma Leone, PGY1
“My interview at UF was one of my first interviews of the season and the faculty and residents left a lasting impression on me. I realized the opportunities to learn as a resident would be endless at a program with such a great support system and great camaraderie amongst the team. It was an easy decision to place UF highly on my rank list as I knew it would be a program where I would excel as a future neurologist while providing the best possible care for my patients.” – Johnna Caputo, PGY2
“UF was hands down the most superb program I encountered. I had visited several university programs when looking for residencies, and UF was far and above the superior program with highly competent residents, faculty, and staff. I was genuinely welcomed by the residents and felt that I had made earnest friends and colleagues. I learned the most while rotating at UF and desired to be as competent as the resident physicians I was following. It is a beautiful atmosphere to work and learn. I couldn’t be happier to join the UF neurology team!” – Edwin Glueck, PGY3
“I was fortunate to rotate with the UF neurology department during my fourth year of medical school. It was evident that the residents are provided high-quality education and training through morning reports, didactic lectures, and clinical discussions during rounds. While the state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful weather are certainly added bonuses, the culture of teamwork and collaboration set UF apart. The sense of community present among the neurology residents and faculty created a fun learning environment.” – Maryellen Campbell, PGY3
“UF stood out amongst all of my other interviews because of its unparalleled combination of top-tier academics paired with a great culture and support system. On virtual interviews, it can be sometimes difficult to grasp the social dynamics within a program; however, throughout my interview with the UF Neurology program it was obvious that this was a place where I would thrive. Everyone I came into contact with was so open, engaging, and clearly passionate about neurology, teaching, and expanding the field. UF provides exposure to any sub-specialty within neurology you can think of and has the resources to match. By the end of my interview day, I knew this was a special place and something I wanted to be a part of!” – Taylor Kagel, PGY1
“With my family based in Central Florida, UF was naturally the first place I looked for residency. The campus is beautiful and Gainesville is a charming and relatively small college town perfectly suited for making a home – whether for 4 years or long term. Everyone I’ve met at the program has been friendly and welcoming and once I had the opportunity to spend time in the Neurology Department, I was immediately impressed with the location, the hospital, and the staff. The residents especially appear to have a good work-life balance and I think all of them are genuinely delighted to be learning and developing in such an awesome program.” – Stephen Klaus, PGY2
“Having attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate education, Gainesville has always held a special place in my heart. As I learned more about the UF Neurology program, it was clear that UF was the right choice for me. I knew Shands had top-notch facilities, world-renowned faculty, and would allow me to see a variety of pathologies in a diverse patient population. I chose UF because I felt it was where I could foster my passion for neurology, while being part of a supportive and enthusiastic team of residents and attendings.” – Michaele Garrison, PGY3
“My goal in choosing a residency program was one where I could grow to be a well-rounded neurologist with diverse clinical experiences, as well as being surrounded by a positive and supportive environment of co-residents and faculty. I chose UF Neurology as it encompasses everything I am looking for and I am excited for the opportunities to come.” – Lindsey Le, PGY3
“I was fortunate to rotate with the UF neurology department during my fourth year of medical school. It was evident that the residents are provided high-quality education and training through morning reports, didactic lectures, and clinical discussions during rounds. While the state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful weather are certainly added bonuses, the culture of teamwork and collaboration set UF apart. The sense of community present among the neurology residents and faculty created a fun learning environment.” – Maryellen Campbell, PGY2
“I remember the excitement that I felt when I was offered an interview at UF because I knew they had a strong reputation both as a neurology residency program and as an academic institution. During my interview day, I felt like everyone in the department was passionate about the work that they do and were excited to work with and teach residents. I knew then that this was the place for me. I think from every angle UF neurology is an amazing program, whether you are interested in academia, community service, or just being the best clinician you can be.” – Leonid Gozman, PGY4
“After my interview with UF Health, I remember immediately thinking to myself: here is an environment where I could thrive. Even though it was a virtual interview, I got a sense of the camaraderie and empathy everyone has for each other. Also, I admire the commitment to doing better and excelling beyond where we are now. I trust the faculty and all of my co-residents will make my time as a Gator exciting and life-defining.” – Karina Maria Rodriguez, PGY4
“I chose the UF neurology program because I was impressed by the distinguished faculty members’ dedication to teaching during my interview and 4-week away rotation. Each faculty member was welcoming and listened attentively to my presentations, taking their time to answer my questions while challenging me to think critically and participate in patient care. Similarly, each resident I met during the interview and away rotation was friendly and encouraging. Each person’s smile and positive attitude felt contagious. Since I enjoyed every day that I had spent at UF, it was easy for me to choose wanting to spend my years training here too.” – Neha Pirwani, PGY4
“Choosing UF Neurology was an easy decision. I remember telling my family and friends how pleasantly surprised I was after my interview. The amount of support and camaraderie I felt among the faculty and residents, even through a virtual setting, was truly unmatched. I left the interview feeling like I had just met a group of people who genuinely care for and support one another. Between the program’s positive culture, strong academic curriculum, and exceptional subspecialty exposure, it was clear that UF was the right place for me. I’m incredibly excited to join the UF Neuro team. Go Gators!” -Amina Namrouti, PGY1
“After my interview, I remember feeling like I had found my perfect program. The dedication that UF has not only to its residents but to its patients and the communities it serves is clear. UF allows residents to explore various career interests early on in their training. The facilities are all so beautiful and modern as well. Most importantly to me though, I was able to resonate with the people, who were all so genuine and passionate about making sure everyone feels welcomed and that patients are the first priority. After my interview day, it was clear that UF was my top choice!” – Michael Siegel, PGY3
“The University of Florida’s Neurology residency had everything I was looking for in a program – I knew I could be involved in cutting-edge research while learning from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. Having completed my undergraduate studies at UF, I am confident Gainesville provides a level of comfort and proximity to everything you could need as a resident. “ – Nishi Varde, PGY3
“I am excited for residency at UF because of the environment and people I came to know during my 4th year away rotation in Gainesville. I was impressed by the educational atmosphere that was created by all the residents and attendings that I interacted with, and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. For someone like myself who is undecided on which fellowship I wish to pursue after residency, UF offers exposure to many subspecialties and routinely graduates residents who match into many different subspecialties.” – Bill Remley, PGY4