Neurology
Research
Post-Graduate Medical Scientist Training Program (PGMSTP) in Medical Neurobiology
Director: Robert A. Gross, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Director: Steven Goldman, M.D., Ph.D.
Executive Committee Members:
Jonathan W. Mink, M.D., Ph.D.
Charles A. Thornton, M.D.
Overview and Purpose
An important and persistent need exists to maintain strength and excellence in our academic centers in order to: 1) catalyze progress and advancement in the biomedical sciences and clinical medicine, and 2) provide the training required to establish tomorrow’s scientists and practitioners. In order to satisfy the special needs of future faculty during their training years, we have established a Post-Graduate Medical Scientist Training Program (PGMSTP) to specifically address the academic career track. The focus of this program is in Medical Neurobiology because of this institution’s strengths in both clinical and basic departments, as well as training programs, related to neuroscience. This is particularly fitting because Medical Neurobiology is in a period of dramatic advances in the understanding of the nervous system’s molecular, cellular, and systems function and dysfunction.
The overall goal of the PGMSTP in Medical Neurobiology is to train individuals who satisfy two essential ingredients for the initiation of a successful academic career: 1) a cohesive and productive track record, and 2) progressive and demonstrable independence. Specifically, the Program provides flexible and individualized training that combines the essential components of a clinical residency in Neurology with a strong continued research program commensurate with a post-doctoral fellowship. The program is enhanced by a variety of didactic, seminar, workshop, and advisorship programs that are targeted toward, and supportive of, career development in basic and/or clinical neuroscience.
Program
The PGMSTP is a flexible six-year course of study. This includes a PGY-1 year of internal medicine followed by a PGY-2 year in the fundamentals of clinical neurology. During this period participants will explore opportunities in laboratories within the neural sciences community (introductory seminar/workshop series) in preparation for the research component of their training. This will allow the establishment of a home laboratory and research program, to be pursued in earnest during subsequent years. A program mentor, a laboratory advisor, and the establishment of the remainder of the training program should be formulated by the beginning of the PGY-3 year. Subsequent training entails flexible and individualized scheduling, to include at least two years of laboratory research, as well as sufficient clinical training required to satisfy Board requirements. During the research years, continuity with clinical training will be maintained by providing a limited and supervised outpatient clinic, but no on-call service.
The program includes three levels of advisorships. First, each participant will be linked with a senior program mentor who will provide advice and guidance in developing an individualized program, and will serve as a role model. Mentors will have established careers that include both clinical and scientific endeavors. Second, each trainee will establish a relationship with a laboratory and research advisor to guide and facilitate the research experience. Third, a program committee will oversee the overall training package.
Several other activities provide opportunities relevant to academic careers. These include courses or workshops on biomedical ethics, biostatistics, the neurosciences, utilization of library resources, the use of the internet and world-wide-web, grant preparation, and elective opportunities throughout the university. An annual retreat and regular seminar series, in combination with the MSTP/MD-PhD program, are also included activities.
Finally, a unified PGY-1 to PGY-6 salary structure exists for the PGMSTP. This yields a direct benefit to trainees in the form of a continuously progressive pay scale, which avoids switching between clinical residency and post-doctoral fellowship scales. A yearly budget will also be established during the PGY-3 to PGY-6 years to provide the trainee with funds supporting travel to a clinical or scientific meeting, books and journals, library services, and computer network accounts. A personal computer will be provided for each trainee.
Candidates
One to two positions per year are available. Graduates of MSTP or other MD-PhD programs throughout the country interested in training and careers in Neurology/Neuroscience, represent the primary entry group into the program. However, individuals graduating with an MD degree (and not PhD) and with demonstrated proficiency and interest in academic careers in Medical Neurobiology are encouraged as well.
Application Process
Acceptance into the PGMSTP in Medical Neurobiology is contingent upon acceptance into the Neurology Residency Training Program. Candidates specifically interested in the PGMSTP should send a CV and personal statement explaining their motivation toward the PGMSTP and future goals to: The Department of Neurology, PGMSTP in Medical Neurobiology, BOX 673, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642. Candidates selected for interviews will visit with members of the PGMSTP Committee and faculty relevant to the applicant’s interests as well as members of the residency program. For further details about the program or application procedures, please contact Clara Vigelette (phone: 585-275-2545).
Current Enrollees
David R. Rempe, M.D., Ph.D. (1998)
Jill W. Miller, M.D., Ph.D. (2002)
Marc W. Halterman, M.D., Ph.D. (2003)
Roberto Fernandez, M.D., Ph.D. (2007)