Neurological Surgery and Neurology research training in interdisciplinary neuroscience

The University of Washington has a long and robust tradition of training residents in the neurosciences for careers as physician-scientists in academic medicine. This renewal proposal will combine the efforts of the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Neurology to provide longitudinal interdisciplinary neuroscience instruction, mentorship and support for residents engaging in dedicated research. The ultimate goal of the project is fourfold: 1) Provide longitudinal interdisciplinary instruction on neuroscience research; 2) supervise and mentor residents during dedicated 6-12 month research increments (extendable to up to 18 months); 3) Prepare neurosurgery and neurology residents for careers as academic faculty physician-scientists with independent research funding; and 4) Endeavor to recruit and retain diverse faculty and residents. Candidates will pursue research with experienced faculty mentors in one (or more) of three research cores: Acute Neural Injury/Neuroengineering, Neuro-Oncology, and Neurogenetics/Neurodegenerative Disease. Residents will receive sustained scientific mentorship, formal instruction and career guidance throughout residency, including specific instruction on the responsible conduct of research, rigor, integrity and ethics. Participants will develop their own research hypotheses and experimental design, engage in high-quality, collaborative research both during and beyond their dedicated research increments, and prepare an application for a mentored K-award or similar independent funding in preparation for the transition to junior investigator. The leadership, resources, environment and residents from both departments, when combined with the broader university-wide research infrastructure, ensures that participants will be well-prepared to become leaders in collaborative research as the next generation of neurosurgery and neurology physician-scientists.