Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship

The pediatric neurosurgery fellowship, certified by the Accreditation Council for Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships and recognized by the American Boards of Pediatric Neurosurgery, is a one-year, primarily clinical program designed to train the next generation of leaders in pediatric neurosurgery.

Innovative Learning Environment

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s pediatric neurosurgery fellowship program offers an innovative, collaborative, personalized and learner-centric environment. Fellows will be trained with an emphasis on excellence in patient care, development of technical skills and clinical translational research. The fellow will join our board-certified neurosurgeons, University of South Florida Health neurosurgery resident and nurse practitioners and will work under the support of specialists, including neurologists, neuroradiologists, intensivists, orthopaedists and neonatologists. The fellow will work in both inpatient and outpatient settings and care for neonates, infants and children and adolescents up to 21 years old.

As part of the training, formal fellow evaluations will occur every three to four months throughout the year-long training program, based on clinical and core competencies. Informal feedback will be provided regularly about operative skill and patient management. The fellow also will participate in neurosurgery conferences at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Tampa General Hospital (University of South Florida Health-Neurosurgery) and will be expected to conduct clinical research that will be published before the end of the fellowship. In addition to the training, meeting expenses for one national meeting during the fellowship are provided.

Neurosurgery is part of the internationally renowned Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences, comprised of the divisions of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Center for Behavioral Health, and Rehabilitative Medicine. Our team collaborates closely with other subspecialties for a unique approach to family-centered care.

Research and Investigation

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s neurosurgery fellowship program provides the fellow a range of opportunities to pursue research, as well as quality improvement and educational scholarship.

Our Clinical and Translational Research Training Track and other mentoring programs support residents, fellows and junior faculty on a pathway toward independent, successful investigation in clinical and translational research in child health and disease. 

Among the research studies we currently are conducting are collaborations with basic scientists and oncologists to explore pediatric brain tumors and explore evidence-based treatments and cures.

Institute for Brain Protection Sciences Overview

The Johns Hopkins All Children's Institute for Brain Protection Sciences is one of the few centers in the world with a focus on all aspects of the pediatric brain and central nervous system. We've brought together highly skilled pediatric specialists in neurologyneurosurgeryrehabilitative medicinepsychiatrypsychologyneuropsychologysports medicine, and developmental behavioral medicine to design individualized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each child.

In addition, we collaborate with neuro-oncology, neuroradiology and neuropathology specialists to provide children with a broad spectrum of care. With a full-range of services from diagnosis to follow-up, our team of skilled physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and technologists provides comprehensive care before, during and after hospitalization.

We participate in clinical trials and are committed to scientific research. Our affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine based in Baltimore connects us to even more clinical trials and emerging therapies. 

Learn More About the Neurosurgery Fellowship

Neurosurgery fellowship program at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

At a Glance

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Fellows per year: 1
  • Location: Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, a 259-bed academic medical center in St. Petersburg, Florida
  • Stipend: Training stipend and benefits provided.
  • Questions? Learn more about the Johns Hopkins All Children's neurosurgery program or contact us at 727-767-4879.

Application Information

Requirements: Candidates must have completed an ACGME-approved neurosurgery residency program and be eligible for a State of Florida Medical Training License.

Application: The form and information about the process is available through the Accreditation Council of Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships (ACPNF) website. This position is filled through the San Francisco Matching Program. and information about the process is available through the Accreditation Council of Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships (ACPNF) website. This position is filled through the San Francisco Matching Program.

Program Director

Matthew Smyth, M.D.

Neurosurgery

Dr. Smyth is chief of the pediatric neurosurgery division at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and director of the pediatric neurosurgery fellowship program. His specialties include pediatric neurosurgery, with sub-specialization in pediatric epilepsy surgery and craniofacial surgery with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques. In addition, Dr. Smyth is a professor of neurosurgery in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

View Matthew Smyth’s Bio

Contact Dr. Smyth at [email protected].

Matthew Smyth, M.D.

Assistant Program Director

Syed Hassan Akbari, M.D., MSCI

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Dr. Akbari specializes in pediatric neurosurgery and is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also is director of Clinical Research in the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the Institute for Brain Protection Sciences.

View Syed Hassan Akbari’s Bio

Hassan Akbari, M.D.

Fellow

Myron Rolle, M.D.

Dr. Rolle obtained his medical degree from Florida State University. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital. His clinical interests include cerebrovascular disease, neurotrauma, brain tumors and craniofacial surgeries. His scholarly interests include equitable access to timely neurosurgical care and policy and advocacy around neurotrauma and mental health.

In his spare time, Dr. Rolle enjoys spending time with family, traveling and mentorship activities.

Myron Rolle, M.D.