# Neurology Research Education and Mentorship Program

> **NIH NIH R25** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $61,506

## Abstract

There is a growing need for physician-scientists to translate developments in basic neuroscience into
improvement in clinical care. Obtaining funding for basic, clinical, and translational research, however, has
become increasingly difficult for clinician-investigators. Clinical neuroscience trainees require protected
research time and mentoring during formative stages of their careers to compete successfully for mentored
career (K) awards and other grants. The Columbia University Neurology Department has been a strong
proponent of incorporating research into the training experience of residents. Beginning in 1979, the
department had a T32 Clinical Neuroscience Training Program, which provided funding for PGY4 residents
and first year fellows to learn research methodology. Since 2002, a Resident Research Mentorship Program
has paired residents with faculty mentors to work on research, and since 2011 a scholarly project is required
for all residents. Beginning in March 2010, this R25 research mentorship program has provided opportunities
for 11 residents (9 neurologists, one neurosurgeon, one neuropathologist) to participate in mentored research
projects (~mean 1.4 residents per year); another three residents (1 neurologist, 2 neuropathologists) applied
for supplements in October 2018. Five residents have completed the R25 experience, including fellowship. Of
these 5, all remain involved in research and 4 obtained further funding; three (60%) have applied for K awards,
and two (40%) have obtained independent K awards (one K08, one K23); the third obtained a KL2 award and
resubmitted his K08 in November 2018. Of the five trainees still in the program, four plan to submit K award
proposals within the next 1-2 years. The present proposal describes a plan to continue this formalized resident
research experience for at least one resident (Neurology, Neuropathology, or Neurosurgery) annually who is
considered to have exceptional promise to become an independent researcher. The focus will be on a
practical, mentor-directed research experience, with limited classroom time, and participating residents will
continue to be optimally situated to compete for mentored career (K) awards at completion of training. Dr.
Elkind, the Program Director/PI, a tenured Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University,
has independent NIH funding for clinical research, extensive experience mentoring residents and fellows
(including directing an NINDS T32 in Neuroepidemiology), and experience reviewing grants. The newly
introduced co-Investigator and co-Director, Dr. James Goldman, is an experienced neuropathologist and NIH-
funded laboratory scientist with extensive mentoring experience. The 47 faculty members of the program are
all experienced researchers with track records of mentoring. The program will continue to be evaluated
primarily by the trainees' success in obtaining K awards, as well as by academic career placement and
productivity in publications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9853347
- **Project number:** 2R25NS070697-11
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** MITCHELL S ELKIND
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $61,506
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2010-03-15 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9853347

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9853347, Neurology Research Education and Mentorship Program (2R25NS070697-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9853347. Licensed CC0.

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