Research

Research Overview

Research is a critical element in the fight against neurological disease; it paves the way for the development and implementation of new therapies and provides opportunities to expand our academic mission. Understanding the root cause of neurological disorders is a hallmark of the neurology research enterprise. Our physicians pioneer new surgical therapies for Parkinson's disease and dystonia and the application of deep brain stimulation for movement and psychiatric disorders, and multidisciplinary studies in diseases of muscle and nerve with a world-class Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging illustrate the critical role played by research in the delivery of clinical care. There are numerous opportunities for faculty members, fellows and residents to develop clinical and basic research skills in virtually any area of interest. For residents interested in a more personalized experience, the University offers the Scientific Pathway & Research in Neurology Training (SPRINT) program. The track give one resident per year the opportunity to complete a 1-on-1 mentored project with protected research time and basic course work in statistics and research ethics.

Highlights

The department has earned over 11.9 million dollars in NIH funding making it a top performing academic institution (top 25 programs nationally). In addition it has earned greater than 26.5 million dollars in its robust neurosciences program cementing it in 6th place as a national leader in neurological discovery.
Our department is a Udall Center of excellence in Neuromodulation research, one of just eight such institutions nationally. This gives residents extremely unique opportunities for research in neuromodulation which will position them to be key contributors to the future of the field.
The department is one of 29 programs that form the Stroke-Net research program led by the NIH and routinely places as a top site for acute clinical trial enrollment. As such, it provides residents opportunities to participate in stroke research. This dovetails well with our programs curriculum, which provides strong exposure to stroke, neurological critical care, and endovascular neurology in order to train residents poised for leadership in the inpatient setting.

Neurology Residency Research & Scholarship Committee (NRSSC): Mentored Resident Research

In order to practice evidence-based medicine, all physicians must be able to evaluate clinical and translational research literature. The ACGME requires that all neurology residents complete research projects. The program guides and supports resident physicians, ranging from those interested in a research-focused career to those who plan to be primarily clinical but still need the skills to understand and critically evaluate research literature.

Residents receive education and training in EBM & QI during Boot Camp and Friday School. Residents apply this knowledge first through completion of a group Quality Improvement project during Boot Camp, under the directed guidance of our hospitals QI specialists.

During years 2-4, residents complete an original research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the Research & Scholarship Committee (NRRSC). The NRRSC is comprised of neurology faculty involved in basic science, translational, clinical and educational research as well as residents with a research expertise. The NRRSC meets with residents to help guide completion of research goals, help troubleshoot any problems and provide both third party feedback and assistance from colleagues.

Resident projects may comprise basic science, translational, clinical or educational research. Ideally, projects are longitudinal and take place over three years to compile meaningful research. Residents are expected to take leadership roles in their individual projects and to disseminate their findings. At the completion of training, residents should be able to critically evaluate new research findings, to explain research news to patients, and to apply advances in knowledge to the care of their patients.

The following responsibilities fall within the purview of the NRSSC:

defining criteria for scholarship and research to guide the selection and evaluation of residents’ projects
increasing familiarity of residents with non-clinical faculty and research opportunities
helping develop and lead research curriculum and didactics integrated with Friday School and G1 boot camp in block 13
developing and refining processes that facilitate high quality resident research (propose project timeline from G2 until G4 year, assist in development of projects, review/approve proposals, monitor completion of research milestones regularly with resident and mentor and hold accountable, identify resources needed, review abstracts and plans for dissemination)
proposing mechanisms for internal research awards
nominating fellows and residents for national research awards

Goals

The goal of the Resident Research Committee is to provide residents with the knowledge and resources to understand clinical and translational research literature, and be able to conduct their own research projects during and after residency.

Rationale

Medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and the practice of medicine involves life-long learning. Physicians must be able to critically evaluate new research findings, to explain research news to patients, and to apply advances in knowledge to the care of their patients. Acquisition of these skills is such an important component of post-graduate medical education that the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires that training in research principles and participation in scholarly activity be included in the neurology residency curriculum [1].

Program Reading Lists

Several textbooks are available in the resident and fellow workroom. Additional resources can be found at the biomedical library (including relevant digital textbooks and journals). The AAN provides current literature and board review information.

For specific reading recommendations, review rotation descriptions/curriculum documents.

Committee Members

Department Chair
Program Director
Administrative Chief Resident
Associate Chief Resident for Research
3-4 faculty members from the Neurology Department with an interest in resident education
1. 1. 1-2 with a clinical research background
  2. 1-2 with a translational or basic research background

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