The Neurosurgical Oncology academic/research track has been developed for neurosurgery residents at the Emory University School of Medicine. The Neurosurgical Oncology track provides a comprehensive path for residents to maximize their clinical or basic science research effort, as well as the tools necessary to develop into a neurosurgeon-scientist with an interest in brain and/or spinal oncology. The track includes potential coursework, grants/fellowships, scientific meetings, symposia, lectures, seminars, webinars, awards and mentors the residents are expected to use as resources throughout their residency and dedicated research. The track is multidisciplinary and follows a 24-month course, while involving different departments at Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Residents also have the opportunity to obtain advanced degrees including:
- A Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) through the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI).
- PhD in Cancer Biology (if approved by the Residency Program Director).
During the 24-month course work, residents are expected to complete three months of didactic coursework and attend different symposia, seminars, lectures and webinars. The three months are not required to be contiguous since the calendar of coursework, symposia, etc. occur at different points in the year. The resident will need to accumulate this three‐month body of material over a period of one or two years, during PGY3 and PGY4 years.
A separate three-month period will be allotted for rotation in a potential laboratory led by an established researcher (basic scientist or physician scientist) approved by the residency director. This lab rotation will provide instruction to the residents in basic lab work, but also set up the resident to pursue their own project with a selected mentor during the remainder of their 18-month research time. Residents are expected to actively participate in lab meetings, journal club and present any acquired data. They are also expected to attend local seminars, lectures and webinars and plan on applying for grants/fellowships, as well as attending scientific meetings.
The resident will be expected to present data at local, regional and national scientific meetings during this time period. Projects shall be selected that can be completed during this allotted time and residents are expected to work closely with their mentors to finish projects prior to re-initiation of full-time clinical duties.
Residents in the Neurosurgical Oncology track are expected to report their completion of coursework, attendance of symposia, as well as seminars, lectures and webinars to the Residency Program Director. In addition, presentation at scientific meetings and obtainment of awards, grants and/or fellowships will be tracked by the Residency Program Director. A minimum of two publications will also be required.
Cancer Genetics & Biology Track
Cancer is a genetic disease. Alterations in genome integrity, such as DNA ploidy, chromosome rearrangements, genetic deletions and point mutations, ultimately drive cell transformation and tumor formation. Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) cancer investigators are members of the Winship Cancer Institute, enabling comprehensive training from "bench to the clinic."
Research topics include: understanding cancer formation and malignant progression using bioinformatics and array technologies; DNA methylation and epigenetic mechanisms of human carcinogenesis; genetic regulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
Additional research seeks to develop novel molecular genetic therapies. The molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis of cancer are studied in clinical material from human tumor patients and in animal models. Specific areas of focus include brain, prostate, breast, head and neck, skin, and gastro-intestinal cancers.
Departments:
Genetics and Molecular Biology