Neurogenetics Fellowship
The Texas Medical Board–approved Neurogenetics Fellowship at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston provides advanced clinical and research training in the diagnosis and management of pediatric neurologic disorders with metabolic and/or genetic etiologies.
The 12-month fellowship is designed to prepare fellows for careers as clinician-scientists in academic health centers. Fellows develop the clinical expertise, research skills, and professional experience needed to become outstanding clinicians and independent investigators in neurometabolics and neurogenetics. The program emphasizes supportive mentorship, collaborative research, and opportunities to develop and conduct a scholarly research project.
Clinical training
(external link)Fellows receive focused subspecialty training in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of pediatric neurologic disorders associated with genetic and metabolic conditions. Training encompasses clinical care across inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as exposure to clinical trials and research.
Because the care of patients with neurometabolic and neurogenetic disorders is inherently multidisciplinary, fellows work collaboratively with specialists in pediatric neurology, neuroradiology, psychiatry, neurorehabilitation, and palliative care. Through this multidisciplinary approach, fellows gain a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, management, prognosis, and long-term care of patients with genetic and metabolic neurologic disorders.
Research training
Research is an integral component of the fellowship. Fellows receive focused training in clinical research and participate in the development and execution of a scholarly research project. Areas of training include:
- Identifying and evaluating therapeutic approaches and clinical trials
- Developing and evaluating health care delivery strategies
- Understanding and applying rehabilitation approaches
- Analyzing and applying epidemiologic data
- Developing and implementing meaningful outcome measures
- Designing clinical studies and evaluating study protocols, treatment regimens, and patient safety
By the completion of the fellowship, fellows will have developed the skills necessary to critically evaluate clinical research and contribute to the advancement of care for children with neurometabolic and neurogenetic disorders.
Neurogenetics Fellowship Alumni
2026
Matthew Wright, MD
Creating the inaugural neurogenetics service at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Spokane, WA
2022
Sam Nicholas Russo, MD
Dr. Russo accepted the faculty position of instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, in tandem with beginning of the Neurogenetics Fellowship in 2021. Upon completing the program in 2022, he received the promotion to assistant professor. In 2026, he was appointed program director of the Neurogenetics Fellowship Program.
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