Neurosurgeon Research Career Development Program (NRCDP)

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Eskandar E (PI) Abstract The Neurosurgeon Research Career Development Program (NRCDP) began in 2012 with the overarching goal of developing a diverse cadre of neurosurgeon scientists at institutions throughout the country. In the eight subsequent years, the program has been highly successful and continues to grow. Over that period, we have reviewed applications from 104 individuals - an average of 13 applications per year - from 40 different institutions. In the most recent review of the data, about 85% of NRCDP scholars have successfully obtained subsequent independent federal funding and continue to lead active research programs. Of critical importance is the observation that the road to neurosurgical leadership goes through research. Chair search committees at academic institutions place a high value on research, and virtually all chairpersons of leading departments have a track record of research and R01 or other federal funding. Hence increasing the diversity of junior neurosurgeon-scientists is potentially one of the most important and direct approaches to increasing the diversity of future neurosurgical leaders. In the current year, we pursued an aggressive effort to recruit applicants using direct emails, phone calls, and brochures. As a result, we had 21 candidates – one of the largest groups in the program's history - many of whom were qualified. Applications were reviewed by a national advisory committee composed of 12-16 neurosurgical faculty members having active research programs and current, or recent, federal funding. The process is modeled after NIH study sections. We are able to support three individuals, though given this year's exceptional pool of applicants, there are four high-scoring and eligible candidates. As with the three candidates slated for funding, the fourth is exceptionally qualified and highly appropriate for support. Her final score that was only marginally lower than the other three, and the primary reviewers of her application felt that she was highly appropriate for support by the NRCDP and had great potential for subsequently obtaining independent federal funding, We are committed to using the NRCDP to help qualified women and under-represented minorities initiate successful research careers, transition to independent funding, and advance on the path toward neurosurgical leadership. Hence, we are requesting supplemental funding to support this additional, outstanding female neurosurgeon-scientist.