418 Early Outcomes of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery Emerging Investigator Program in Promoting Neurosurgeon-Scientists

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Neurosurgeon-scientists have unique expertise to make important contributions to medicine. However, the transition from residency/fellowship training to becoming junior faculty, with the accompanying expectation of securing NIH funding, is a vulnerable period of an academic neurosurgeon’s career. The Emerging Investigator Program (EIP) is an Academy-sponsored mentorship program to support early career neurosurgeon-scientists through their transition from training to independence. METHODS: An analysis of the EIP was performed using demographic data provided by the EIP coordinator (author S.C.). Qualitative feedback on the program was obtained through an informal survey sent to EIP scholars (past and present) and mentors. RESULTS: Thirty-four scholars have participated in the EIP– fifteen have completed the program while 19 are currently participating. Eight female scholars have been accepted into the EIP (23.5%). Fifteen scholars have a PhD (44%), and 22 have had prior grant funding as residents (65%). Of the 15 EIP scholars who completed the two-year program, 10 have thus far obtained NIH funding (67%). Scholars reported the most valuable benefits of participating in the EIP were (i) feedback on grant applications and (ii) additional mentorship from outside their home institutions. Mentors reported that predictors of success included having a strong mentorship team, institutional support, and an attitude of perseverance. Scholars and mentors indicated a willingness to maintain ongoing mentor-mentee relationships outside of the sponsored EIP mentoring sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Scholars and mentors have had positive perceptions of the EIP. Two thirds of the program’s alumni have obtained NIH funding, suggesting early success of the EIP. Future analyses should include a more quantitative assessment of participant outcome will be pursued once more scholars have completed the program, and more detailed diversity metrics.