This is a renewal application, and would provide funding to administer the Neurosurgeon Research Career Development Program (NRCDP) for another five years. The purpose of this award is to provide the basis for a continued national effort to support, train, and mentor junior neurosurgical faculty members at appropriate institutions nationwide. This application describes all key aspects for the mechanism of recruiting applicants and the developing them into surgeon-scientists through continuing the NRCDP. The proposal addresses topics such as the rationale for the program, the relevant history of the PI and Institution, and the ongoing need for the NRCDP. The proposal also addresses the rationale for the selection of a National Advisory Committee (NAC). It also details a well-developed system for the recruitment of applicants. In addition, there is a description of the existing and robust system for selection of scholar-applicants based on their potential for success, the track record of their mentor, and the support of their Chairpersons. In addition, there are details of an annual three-day retreat, which has been held for five years, that includes applicant interviews, lectures, and interactive grant writing sessions. Finally, there is a description of the advisory board meeting for review of applications. This program has been extremely successful. Five years ago, when this NRCDP was first awarded, a search of NINDS data revealed only 4 neurosurgeons with active K08 awards. Currently, there are a total of 12 neurosurgeons with active K08 awards. Of the currently active K08 awards, four are scholars of this NRCDP program and two were applicants. In other words, over the five-year span of the NRCDP, there has been roughly a 300% increase in neurosurgeon K08 awards. Moreover, 50% of all current NINDS K08?s, awarded to neurosurgeons, are affiliated with the NRCDP either through direct support or through participation in the program. Another three alumni obtained independent federal funding through other mechanisms. If the scholars funded in 2016 are excluded from the analysis, which is reasonable given that they have only been funded for a few months, then 7 out of 10, or 70%, of scholars have successfully obtained independent federal funding in a relatively short period of time. In our opinion, this is an excellent success rate. Perhaps as importantly, the NRCDP has fostered a healthy and burgeoning community of junior neurosurgeon-scientists that will form the basis for reinvigoration the long tradition of scientific research in neurosurgery.
The goal of this proposal is to describe an existing and robust system for identifying, selecting, and supporting promising neurosurgeons in the early stage of their career, when they are most vulnerable, so that they can successfully mature into independent and productive neurosurgeon scientists that will lead the way for developing new and better treatments for a wide range of neurological disorders. The first five years of the program were quite successful. We fully expect continued enhancements and greater success in the next five years.
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