Neurology PSTP
The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology offers an integrated Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) for graduates of MD/PhD programs and for recently graduated MDs who have had extensive experience in the conduct of research. The intent of this program is to facilitate the transition from neurology residency training to a productive career in biomedical research. Research training will start during the PGY-3 year. The trainees will be given the opportunity to spend their elective months doing either basic or clinical research. Research training will be completed under the mentorship of a faculty member at Northwestern University.
Program Details
Program Structure
Clinical Training
According to the ACGME guidelines in creating flexible training paths for neurologists/neuroscientists, we offer a training path for the neurology residents interested in pursuing a research career. Trainees are expected to complete an ACGME-accredited year of training in preliminary medicine. Neurology training includes a minimum of 18 months of clinical adult neurology rotations as required by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, including at least six months' experience in outpatient adult neurology. Training at Northwestern provides the opportunity to care for a diverse patient base and interact with our numerous and talented clinical faculty members. Clinical rotations will encompass both inpatient and outpatient rotations at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and affiliated clinics.
Research Training
Research training will start during the PGY-3 year. The trainees will be given the opportunity to spend their elective months doing either basic or clinical research. Trainees will be encouraged to work on the research proposals for the junior investigator (K-award) to be submitted by the end of the residency.
UE5 NINDS Research Education Program
Our department is a recipient of the UE5 NINDS grant for research education programs for the residents, which allows interested and qualified trainees to start research training during the last year of residency. The selected trainee gets six to nine months' protected research time during the last two years of residency training. The trainee will be mentored by the experienced faculty member and prepared to submit a K junior investigator grant. The research track can be either clinical or bench work. The grant also provides funding for post-residency research fellowship training.
Guidance & Support
Research training will be completed under the mentorship of any faculty member at Northwestern University. Applicants will be encouraged to interview potential research mentors before or early during their clinical fellowship training. Final selection of a research mentor will be made with the assistance of the program mentor. During research training, a mentoring committee consisting of the program mentor, research mentor and at least one other faculty member knowledgeable in the chosen area of research will be formed to assess the trainee and ensure progress toward independence.
Application Process
Interested applicants should apply to the Advanced Neurology Training Program of the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University through ERAS. In addition to their application through ERAS, applicants may submit a Northwestern University Neurology PSTP application. This supplemental application is required for participation in the track but is optional prior to the interview. However, completing the application prior to interviewing allows us to better tailor the experience by providing meetings with faculty of interest. After matching into our program, any incoming resident may also apply at that time.
There are no separate interview sessions for the PSTP program. Meetings will occur concurrently with interviews for the Advanced Neurology Training Program.
Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.
FAQ
Q: Does acceptance into the PSTP track require a PhD?
A: No
Q: Are there monetary benefits to participation in the program?
A: Yes. During each of your years within our Advanced Neurology training program, additional financial support will be provided for travel to national meetings, journals, research materials, etc.
Q: Do I need to apply to be considered?
A: Yes, though the application is also accepted after match.
Q: Is there protected time for research?
A: Yes, there is dedicated time during your training for research, regardless of UE5 award receipt. If you are awarded the UE5 grant, we typically reserve the last 6 months of your PGY-4 year for research (which would lead into your protected research year funded by the grant).
Q: What are the institution-wide resources for trainees in the PSTP?
A: Northwestern University Center for Translational Science (NUCATS) NUCATS provides investigators with valuable resources and consultation services, including clinical research support, consultations to aid interdisciplinary research, access to the enterprise data warehouse and research electronic data system, and assistance with research study design.
