ENLIGHTEN (ENgaging Leaders In Global and local HealTh Equity in Neurology)

PROJECT ABSTRACT This is a proposal to support the ENgaging Leaders In Global and local HealTh Equity in Neurology (ENLIGHTEN) training program. The goal of ENLIGHTEN is to prepare clinician researchers and PhD scientists to become leaders in neurologic health equity research aimed at reducing the gap in neurologic

health and access to healthcare for neurologic disorders in the US and globally. As knowledge about health disparities and their adverse effects on health outcomes expands, the research environment has shifted to focus not only on identifying disparities but also on developing effective and sustainable solutions to reduce

disparities and improve outcomes among patients with neurologic conditions. This rapidly changing landscape requires training in skills needed to translate scientific findings into evidence-based interventions on a community and population health level, including for the most underserved and vulnerable populations.

ENLIGHTEN is supported by the superb interdisciplinary research and training environment of the UCSF Department of Neurology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Clinical Translational Science Institute, Center for Vulnerable Populations, Global Brain Health Institute, and Institute for Global Health

Sciences. This robust infrastructure combined with a multitude of mentors with expertise in global neurology and neurologic health equity make UCSF the ideal home for ENLIGHTEN. We propose a highly unique program structure, with 10 faculty at UCSF and over half of our mentors outside of UCSF, including 9 faculty at

other US institutions, of which 2 are located at historically black colleges and universities, and 4 faculty at our low- and middle-income partner sites. By harnessing nationally and globally dispersed expertise into a shared intellectual space, ENLIGHTEN will provide a forum for a carefully selected core group of exemplary mentors

to engage in the scientific education and career development of a small cohort of highly motivated trainees positioned to become future leaders in neurologic health equity. We request support for two postdoctoral MD or PhD trainees selected annually for this stimulating two-year training program, which aims to develop a capable health equity workforce committed to careers in

neurological research. At the core of ENLIGHTEN’s training model is hands-on research experience in neurologic health equity with one-on-one guidance from a primary mentor and mentoring team integrated with coursework in health equity topics (e.g., population health, social and environmental determinants of health,

implementation science, community-engaged research) and applied training in quantitative literacy, rigor, and reproducibility tailored to the prior training, proposed research, and career plans of trainees. Through this multipronged educational program, trainees will gain the advanced skills and rich experience needed to design,

implement, and analyze rigorous research studies; disseminate their results; and transition to research independence.