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Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship Program
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides an ACGME accredited, one year, neuromuscular medicine fellowship program. Our fellowship offers comprehensive training in clinical neuromuscular evaluation, electrodiagnostic tests, and muscle and nerve histopathology interpretation. Our faculty expertise and institutional resources cover all aspects of adult and pediatric neuromuscular disease. Opportunities exist to participate in intramural or extramurally funded basic, translational, and clinical research projects. This program can be tailored toward individuals interested in academic or private practice careers.
Clinical CareFellows will provide clinical care in a predominately outpatient setting. They will be responsible for evaluating and diagnosing adult and pediatric patients with neuromuscular disorders. They will see patients in general neuromuscular clinics as well as specialty clinics such as the ALS Clinic, the adult MDA Clinic located at The Kirklin Clinic, and the pediatric MDA Clinic located at the Children's Hospital of Alabama. These clinics expose fellows to the comprehensive assessment, monitoring, and treatment of neurological disorders involving peripheral nervous systems, including neuropathy, plexopathy, radiculopathy, motor neuron disease, neuromuscular junction transmission disorder, and myopathy, both in adults and children.
Fellows will perform and interpret electrodiagnostic tests under faculty supervision. Such techniques include routine nerve conduction studies, blink responses, repetitive nerve stimulation (Jolly test), needle electromyography, and evoked potential studies (visual, brainstem auditory, and somatosensory). This work will take place at the EMG Laboratory located in the Sparks Center at UAB Hospital, and Birmingham VA Medical Center. Evaluation of inpatients with neuromuscular disease is also provided through bedside studies in the hospital or assessment in the EMG Laboratory. Fellows also have an opportunity to learn single fiber EMG.
Interpretation of neuromuscular (muscle, nerve, and skin) pathology is an essential aspect of our fellowship program. Pathology slides are prepared in the Shin J. Oh Nerve and Muscle Histopathology Laboratory which belongs to our division. Fellows will read neuromuscular pathology with an attending physician. They also have an opportunity to learn performing nerve, muscle, and skin biopsies.
UAB has established the Autonomic Lab, and provides comprehensive tests. Fellows are encouraged to learn its interpretation, as well as the diagnosis of patients with suspected disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
Fellows will teach neurology residents for general neurology evaluation and management at the Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, under the supervision of an attending physician.
ResearchFellows are encouraged to participate in one or more research projects under the direction of the neuromuscular division faculty. The project can be selected by the fellow to meet specific interests and goals. There are several ongoing clinical trials in myasthenia gravis, ALS, and CIDP that fellows could actively participate in. Guided by career goals, opportunities exist to participate in basic and translational science projects in neuromuscular medicine. Based on initial progress and productivity, grants to support early stage career development will be sought from extramural sources such as the National Institutes of Health. All fellows will participate in a quality improvement project as well.
Other Educational ActivitiesFellows actively participate in weekly neuromuscular lectures. They start from core lectures for 2 months, followed by basic lectures for 4 months, and then advance lectures for 6 months. They also include presentations by fellows. In addition, weekly conferences in neuromuscular pathology provide further educational opportunities with access to over 40-years of specimens.
ExpectationsFull licensure in the State of Alabama (State of Alabama medical license, Alabama Controlled Substance Certificate, and Federal DEA) is required to participate in this fellowship program. Successful completion of all three steps of the USMLE is necessary for Alabama licensure.
During the course of the fellowship, it is expected that fellows will demonstrate progressively increased subspecialty knowledge and progress towards clinical independence by the end of their training. Fellows will have frequent discussions with the neuromuscular faculty related to the clinical care, specialized evaluation, and diagnosis in inpatient and outpatient settings. Through this extensive training program, fellows will accumulate experience and knowledge to practice in academic or private settings.
Subject to the approval of the Director, attendance of one national meeting such as American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, or American Neurological Association is encouraged. A maximum of $1000 is allotted from the Department of Neurology for approved travel and educational expenses, licenses, etc., during the year of training.
To ApplyOur fellowship program participates in the AANEM Fellowship Match program. Please submit your initial application and supporting documents noted below through the AANEM Fellowship Match Portal.
Application components:For more information, please contact:
Kenkichi Nozaki, M.D., Ph.D.Associate Professor of NeurologyDirector, Neuromuscular Fellowship ProgramP: (205) 934-2120knozaki@uabmc.Edu
Sandi Mumfrey ThomasProgram CoordinatorP: (205) 934-2120smumfrey@uabmc.Edu
Division Of Neuromuscular Disease
Our division evaluates and treats patients weekly at the Neuromuscular Disease Outpatient Clinic located at The Kirklin Clinic, which provides convenient access to the diagnostic and therapeutic facilities of the department and the UAB Medical Center. There are monthly Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), MG, and ALS clinics directed and staffed by our physicians.
The EMG and Evoked Potentials Laboratory at University Hospital and the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory at The Kirklin Clinic offer routine and sophisticated electrodiagnostic testing. Approximately 4500 procedures are performed annually, including routine nerve conduction studies and needle EMG tests, repetitive nerve stimulation tests, single-fiber EMG, and other sophisticated studies. Evoked potential studies include brainstem auditory, visual, and somatosensory evoked potential testing. Intra-operative monitoring is available to assist with surgical cases. Monthly botox clinics provide treatment for patients with spasmodic torticollis and other dystonias, hemifacial spasm, and spasmodic dysphonia.
In our Muscle/Nerve Histopathology Laboratory, over 600 muscle and nerve biopsies are performed and/or interpreted annually. In addition to surgical specimens obtained in our lab, fresh and frozen biopsy tissue is received for processing and interpretation from many other area hospitals and laboratories in Alabama and other southeastern states. Histological and histochemical staining, electron microscopy, nerve fiber teasing and other procedures are performed and reports generated to assist with the diagnostic workup of diseases such as polymyositis, ALS, muscular dystrophy, vasculitis and CIDP.
EducationOur division has trained more than 200 residents and more than 70 fellows, including many from Korea, Turkey, Japan, Poland, Colombia, and Brazil.
Research GiveThe support of visionary philanthropic partners provides the potential for major breakthroughs in treatment, training and research. Your gift enables UAB to make investments in key areas that will help us become a first choice for education and healthcare.
Clinical trials of investigational drugs for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), CIDP, and myasthenia gravis are ongoing, and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, and other therapies are available through our department. Research is in the clinical field with emphasis on new techniques of electrodiagnostic testing.
Contact UsFor general questions about the division, contact:UAB Division of Neuromuscular Disease1720 7th Avenue South, Sparks Center 240Birmingham, Alabama 35294P: 205.934.2120F: 205.975.6758
For patient appointments, contact:The Kirklin ClinicP:205.801.8986
For urgent physician referrals, contact:P: 1.800.UAB.MIST (822.6478)
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive insurance helps cover your vehicle from random events outside of your control. In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will explain what is and isn't covered by comprehensive insurance.
We'll also review the average costs and help you decide if this type of auto insurance policy is a good idea for you. If you're ready to start comparing insurers, check out our review of the best car insurance and cheapest car insurance companies.
Key Takeaways
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Comprehensive Insurance: Key TermsThere are many common terms associated with comprehensive coverage that you may see as you're shopping for car insurance. They include the following:
Actual cash value This term refers to the market value of your car in its current condition before any damage occurs. Collision insurance This coverage pays for car repairs or replacements after traffic-related accidents. Most insurers require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage together. Deductible This refers to the amount you pay before your car insurance company will cover the rest of your repair or replacement costs. The higher the deductible you have, the lower your car insurance costs will be. However, you'll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Full coverage insurance This type of car insurance policy typically includes a combination of comprehensive, collision and liability car insurance. However, other state-mandated coverage types may be included in a full coverage policy. What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover?Comprehensive insurance covers the maximum amount based on the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle minus your chosen deductible. While collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after a car accident, comprehensive insurance generally protects your vehicle while it is parked. It also fills in some of the gaps in the typical collision insurance policy, such as if you hit an animal while driving.
Comprehensive CoverageExamples of damages to your car that are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy include:
A comprehensive claim will pay out a maximum amount based on the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle, minus your chosen deductible.
What Doesn't Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover?Despite the name, there are some exclusions to comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to another person's property, any medical expenses or the value of items stolen from your car.
Damage that is covered by collision insurance is not covered by comprehensive insurance. This includes:
The difference between full coverage and comprehensive insurance is that a full-coverage insurance policy includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to a car from things other than road accidents.
It's typically recommended that drivers carry full-coverage car insurance. This is a portfolio of car insurance coverage that protects your vehicle in almost every scenario. In addition to comprehensive and collision insurance, full coverage policies generally include the following types of coverage:
Even if you are not required to purchase comprehensive insurance, it may be a good idea to add it to your car insurance policy, especially if you have a new car or the value of your vehicle is high. Remember, comprehensive and collision insurance don't just protect the value of your car — they also bring you peace of mind knowing that you're completely covered.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Required by Law?Comprehensive insurance is not required by state law. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender may require that you purchase a comprehensive policy until the end of your lease or until your vehicle is paid off.
How Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Work?Comprehensive insurance works similarly to other types of car insurance coverage when filing a claim. If you find yourself in a situation where your car was crushed by a tree or damaged by hail, here's how your comprehensive car insurance would work:
Keep in mind that anytime you file an insurance claim, your renewal rates may go up. We recommend that you shop around for car insurance and compare car insurance quotes regularly to ensure you're getting the lowest rates and best coverage possible.
How Much Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cost?According to the most recent data collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average annual comprehensive insurance premium for drivers in the U.S. In 2019 was $171.87. Comprehensive insurance from California was the least expensive, with an average of just $96.53. In the most expensive state, South Dakota, the average was $347.61.
Comprehensive DeductibleYour comprehensive deductible is how much you pay out of pocket after a claim is approved to repair or replace your vehicle. Thus, up to the cash value of your vehicle, the remaining expenses are covered by the insurance company after the deductible is paid.
You can raise your deductible with your insurer, causing your insurance premium to go down. But you'll have higher out-of-pocket costs if your vehicle is damaged.
How Much Should My Comprehensive Deductible Be?Most drivers will need to pay a deductible for comprehensive car insurance or a predetermined amount that is subtracted from a claim check — typically $500 to $1,500.
Say your car was hit by a severe hailstorm, causing $2,000 worth of damage to your vehicle's roof. If you had a $500 deductible and filed a comprehensive claim with your insurance company, your insurer would pay out $1,000 to repair your car.
Is Comprehensive Insurance Worth It?To determine if a comprehensive policy is a good idea for you, start by calculating what your car is worth and subtract the amount of your deductible — this is the most value you can expect to get from your policy should the worst occur. Compare this number with the cost of your insurance payments to decide how much car insurance you need.
Comprehensive Car Insurance QuoteIf you're looking for a comprehensive insurance policy, it's a good idea to shop around and compare providers. We recommend reaching out to several of the best car insurance companies to get a quote for comprehensive coverage.
When you speak with an agent for a quote, your estimate for a comprehensive insurance policy will vary depending on a number of factors. These include:
Comprehensive insurance coverage is similar to bad luck coverage for your vehicle. It will cover any damage sustained from theft, natural disasters or vandalism. Further, comprehensive coverage can be purchased as part of a full–coverage car insurance policy to protect both you and your vehicle in the event of an accident or bad luck.
We recommend reaching out to several of the best car insurance companies to get a quote for comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive Car Insurance CompaniesBecause rates are based on your unique driver profile, the best insurer for your neighbor may not be the best option for you. You can start comparing free car insurance quotes using the tool below. Be sure to consider policies with two of our top-rated providers: USAA and State Farm.
State Farm: 9.2 out of 10.0State Farm can be a good option for students because of its many discounts for young drivers. The company's Drive Safe & SaveTM tracks driving behaviors through a mobile app, helping drivers earn up to a 30% discount on their premiums. State Farm's Steer Clear®is designed for teen drivers that provides course training and driving practice for teen drivers. Completion of the program provides a discount.
In an August 2022 consumer survey, we polled nearly 7,000 car insurance customers on their experiences with their auto insurers. Of the 19% of respondents that had a State Farm policy, the majority were generally happy with the company:
Keep reading: State Farm insurance review
Compare: State Farm vs. Geico, State Farm vs. USAA
USAA: 9.3 out of 10.0USAA has a positive reputation in the insurance industry, known for offering top-notch customer service and some of the cheapest car insurance rates in the country. The only major drawback of USAA is that you must be a former or current member of the military to qualify for coverage, or be the spouse or child of one who holds a policy with USAA.
In addition to standard auto insurance policies, USAA offers glass coverage, guaranteed asset protection coverage, car replacement assistance (CRA) and rideshare insurance. Drivers can also use USAA SafePilot to save on insurance rates.
In our August 2022 car insurance survey, we found that over half of USAA policyholders were satisfied with their car insurance, giving the company four stars or above:
Keep reading: USAA insurance review
Compare: USAA vs. Progressive
Comprehensive Car Insurance: FAQBelow are frequently asked questions on comprehensive auto insurance.
What is the definition of comprehensive insurance?Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your car if it's stolen or damaged in an event that is not a collision. This insurance type typically covers damage from fires, animals, fallen objects, vandalism or weather-related events (like hail or floods).
Is it worth getting comprehensive?If you want to have peace of mind on the road, comprehensive coverage can be worth it as it will help to repair or replace your vehicle when damage is sustained from events other than an auto accident. It can be worth it if you live in an area that's prone to higher rates of car theft or vandalism, or natural disasters like tornadoes or severe weather.
What are examples of comprehensive insurance?Comprehensive car insurance helps cover losses like theft, vandalism, hail or hitting an animal. For example, if your vehicle sustains damage during a hail storm, your comprehensive coverage will help pay for damages if you file a claim.
What is included in comprehensive car insurance?Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of damages to your vehicle when you're involved in an accident or incident that's not caused by an auto or road collision.
Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?If you need to choose between the two, it's better to have comprehensive insurance over collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased alone. It also pays for damages due to events beyond your control.
Our MethodologyBecause consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
Our credentials:
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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