The Neuro-Critical Care Academic Track has been developed for Neurosurgery Residents at the Emory University School of Medicine. The Academic Track provides a comprehensive path for prospective residents that will maximize their clinical or basic science research effort, as well as build the tools necessary to develop into a neurosurgeon-scientist with an interest in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or peripheral nerve trauma. The track includes coursework, grants/fellowships, scientific meetings, symposiums, lectures/seminars/webinars, awards and mentors the residents are expected to use as a reference throughout their residency and dedicated research time. The multidisciplinary track follows a 24-month course, and involves many different departments at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology. Residents have the opportunity to obtain a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) through the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (ACTSI), if selected. Residents interested in pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biology may obtain extra time during their residency if approved by the Residency Director.
During the 24-month period of coursework in the PGY3 and PGY4 years, residents are expected to complete three months of didactic work, while attending different symposia/seminars/lectures/webinars. The three months need not be contiguous and 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.
A separate three-month period will be allotted for rotation in a potential laboratory led by an established researcher (basic scientist or physician-scientist). This lab rotation will provide instruction to the Neurosurgery Residents in basic lab work, while also setting up the resident to pursue their own project during the remainder of their 18-month research time. Residents are expected to actively participate in lab meetings, journal club and present any data they acquire. They are also expected to attend local seminars/lectures/webinars, while applying for grants/fellowships, as well as attending scientific meetings.
The remaining 18 months will be used by the resident to complete their own project with a selected mentor. Residents at this point should have applied, or be in the process of applying, for grants/fellowships, awards and continue to attend seminars/lectures/webinars. The resident will be expected to present data at scientific meetings during this time period. Projects shall be selected that can be completed during this time period and residents are expected to work closely with their mentors to finish their project prior to re-initiation of full-time clinical duties.
Residents in the Neuro-Critical Care Academic Track are expected to report their completion of coursework, attendance of symposia, as well as seminars/lectures/webinars to the Residency Director. In addition, presentation at scientific meetings, obtainment of awards, grants/fellowships will be kept track by the Residency Director. A minimum of two publications will be required by the resident in the Neuro-Critical Care developmental track.