Factors and Trends Associated With NIH Funding for Neurosurgeons Over 25 Years

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Neurosurgeon-scientists have advanced neurosurgery through research, which has historically been funded by the NIH. Herein, we defined temporal trends and variables associated with neurosurgical NIH-funding over a quarter-century. METHODS Retrospective analysis of NIH-funded AANS members using NIH Reporter from 1991 to 2015. RESULTS Over 25 yr, we followed 6515 neurosurgeons comprising of 6124 (94%) MDs and 406 (6%) MD-PhDs. NIH grants were awarded to 6% (n = 393) of all neurosurgeons, with 91 (23.2%) of all first-time grants awarded to top 5-funded institutions. The mean total funded grant-years per neurosurgeon was 12.5 (range = 1-85) with disproportionately greater percentage of MD-PhDs (22% = 91) being NIH funded versus MDs (5% = 297; P < .0001). The most common grants awarded were R01 (n = 128/33%), K08 (n = 69/18%), F32 (n = 60/15%), and R21 (n = 39/10%). F32 and K08 recipients were 9- (18% vs 2%; P < .001) and 19- (38% vs 2%; P < .001) times more likely to procure an R01 and earlier in their careers (F32:7 vs 12 yr after residency; P = .03; K08:9 vs 12 yr; P = .01). Annually, the number of neurosurgeons with active grants increased by 2.2 (R2 = 0.81; P < .001) while number of total active grants run by neurosurgeons increased at nearly twice the rate (4.0 grants/yr) (R2 = 0.91; P < .001). Thirty-two (8%) of NIH-funded neurosurgical grants, transitioned to funded clinical trials. Finally, we found a linear increase in active R01s (R2 = 0.95; P < .001); however, both F32 (R2 = 0.36; P = .01) and K08 funding (R2 = 0.67; P < .001) had significant parabolic rise and fall centered around 2003. CONCLUSION During the last quarter century, while there has been an upward trend in R01s awarded to neurosurgeons, there has been a decrease in training grants (K08 and F32). These findings are likely to impact the ultimate success in procuring and maintaining R01 funding among neurosurgeons. Thus, careful selection and focused mentorship of neurosurgeons, who are capable of impacting patient care and advancing the field through research, is necessary for sustained NIH grant award success.