EMG

Introduction

The EMG rotation consists of performing outpatient and occasionally inpatient NCS/EMG studies along with rotating through the neuromuscular clinic, MDA multi-disciplinary clinic and ALS multi-disciplinary clinic. The fellow also participates in performing needle muscle biopsies and skin punch biopsies along with attendance at the weekly nerve and muscle lab conference where the focus is on interpretation of the nerve, muscle and skin biopsies. The fellow works closely with the neuromuscular attendings as well as other electromyographers in the EMG lab and neuropathologists in the nerve and muscle pathology lab to learn the fundamental concepts of the neuromuscular exam, electrodiagnostic testing and neuromuscular pathology.

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Goals

  • To care for patients with neuromuscular illness at a high-level, use appropriate diagnostic modalities include neurophysiology and provide evidence-based treatment.
  • To understand the neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
  • Communicate with patients, allied staff, and referring providers with empathy, professionalism, and by effective transfer of knowledge.
  • The fellow will be professional in verbal communications and in timely reporting of neurophysiology studies and clinic notes.
  • The fellow recognizes that he/she is part of a treatment team and participates within the treatment group effectively. The treatment groups including neurology/neurocritical care, EMG technologists, PT/OT, and social work.
  • The fellow will be involved in improving the quality of the care of neuromuscular through QI projects, scholarly activities, and/or participation in weekly multi-disciplinary clinics.

Objectives and Evaluation Matrix

 

EMG Rotation Objectives

Upon completion of the curriculum, fellows will . . .

EPA #EPA DescriptionMilestones
1Perform and interpret  basic nerve conduction studies (NCS)PC2, PC4,  MK1
2Perform and interpret advanced NCS (e.g., blink reflexes, phrenic nerve stimulation)  PC2, PC4, MK1, MK2
3Perform and interpret necessary studies to evaluate  disorders of neuromuscular transmissionPC1, PC2, PC3, MK1, MK3
4Perform and interpret basic needle EMGPC1, PC2, PC3, MK1, MK3
5Perform and interpret advanced needle EMG (e.g. Laryngeal, SFEMG)  PC2, PC5, MK1, MK2
6Demonstrate high level of professionalism when performing electrodiagnostic studiesPR1, PR2, IC1

Schedule

To be divided between the VA and UWHC based on clinic times – typically 2 half days at the VA with remaining time at the UW.

Conferences

Attend per conference requirements. Participate in weekly EMG book club.

Work Hours

Standard work hours

Latest Revision: 04/20/2023, Smitha Holla, MD