N3-PREP (Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Neuropathology Pitt Research Education Program)

Project Summary/Abstract Physician-neuroscientists are essential for converting the discoveries from the laboratory to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for persons burdened by neurologic diseases. Integration of research training during clinical training years (residency and fellowship) is pivotal to fostering the next generation of physician-

neuroscientists, who are essential to bring the neuro-based discoveries to the bedside. The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) has an exceptionally strong neuroscience environment, primed to help address this gap through the Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neuropathology Pittsburgh Research Education Program (N3-PREP).

N3-PREP will be based in the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Division of Neuropathology, with a focus on trainees with a desire to develop an academic research career in the neurosciences. Our overarching and long-term goal is to train the next generation of physician-neuroscientists in basic science, translational

science, data science, and clinical (patient-oriented) research through a closely mentored approach, in an environment ripe with physical and faculty resources across the translational spectrum of neuro-focused research. Biomedical research is a high priority at Pitt and the neuroscience environment is strong, with faculty

across >20 departments and institutes, and cutting-edge research. Currently at Pitt, the Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Physician Scientist Incubator (PSI) program provide important infrastructure for training physician-scientists. In addition, career development programs include focused programs for enhancing

inclusion of underrepresented minority groups. Key components of N3-PREP include a well-defined pathway for each trainee to be paired with a primary mentor and a mentoring committee, a core curriculum, internal study sections for grant reviews, progress tracking for both the trainee and mentor, and continued support for the

trainee’s progress toward an NIH K mentored-career development award. We will also provide a longitudinal track beginning in the PGY-1-year to increase the interest of the matriculating residents across participating departments, transform the culture, and ultimately increase a diverse pool of residents well-prepared to get the

most out of the benefits of direct R25 funding. The core curriculum includes formal training in experimental design and scientific rigor, statistical methodology, grant writing, presentation skills, DEI principles, and the responsible conduct of research. Led by multi-Principal Investigators in Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neuropathology and

an Advisory committee, N3-PREP is well supported by commitments from 87 research mentors across 16 departments. Our hypothesis is that N3-PREP will increase the number of well-prepared neuro-focused physician-scientists from the University of Pittsburgh who will progress to being at the forefront of guiding

innovative neuroscience research, translating research breakthroughs into care, and bring neuroscience discoveries to life to reduce the burden of neurologic disease.