Abstract Details

Title The Undergraduate Neurosciences and Clinical Neurology/Clinical Neurology Research: Bridging the Gap by Connecting with Undergraduate Neuroscience Faculty

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

Presentation(s) Research Methodology and Education Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 006

Background Despite the dramatic growth of neuroscience majors (99 graduates in 1989 to 7208 graduates in 2018), there is a shortage of Neurologists in the US.

Objective

To assess existing and potential connections between undergraduate neuroscience programs and the field of neurology.

Design/Methods We invited 523 undergraduate neuroscience faculty (members of the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) Society) to complete an anonymous online survey assessing their backgrounds (research areas, courses taught) and existing connections and interest in developing connections in clinical neurology/clinical neurology research. Participants received AAN letters of recognition and access to a website with student resources/opportunities within the field of neurology.

Results

There were 140 respondents, 93% (130/140) of whom conduct research in Basic neuroscience (56%, 78/140), Psychology (16%, 22/140), and Translational neuroscience (11%, 16/140). The most common courses taught were: Introduction to Neuroscience (72%, 93/129), Advanced special topics (electives) (61%, 79/129), Advanced research seminar (40%, 52/129), Behavioral Neurobiology (39%, 50/129), and Research methodologies (36%, 46/129). Most (93.6%, 131/140) stated their courses included a discussion about neurological conditions yet, only 4% (6/139) reported discussion of the neurologist shortage in the country. Few reported shadowing a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or similar specialist prior to teaching neuroscience courses (19%, 26/140) or having practicing neurologists or clinical neuroscientists speak to students (25%, 34/138); of those who didn’t, 74% (102/138) reported openness to doing so. Many reported that faculty connecting with local neurologists (100/140, 78.1%) and formal neurology shadowing or research programs for undergraduate neuroscience students (99/100, 77.3%) would be helpful.

Conclusions Neuroscience faculty are interested in exposing students to the field of neurology. Despite discussion of neurological conditions in courses, there is an absence of emphasizing the need for neurologists in the US. Undergraduate neuroscience can likely be bridged with clinical neurology by enhancing neurology shadowing and research experiences.

Authors/Disclosures
Mia T. Minen, MD, FAAN (NYULMC Neurology) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Minen has received research support from NIH. Dr. Minen has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Minen has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a First Contact-Primary Care Advisory Board Member with American Headache Society . Dr. Minen has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for PCORI grant on migraine evidence based map for stakeholders with ECRI .
Sangida Akter	Sangida Akter has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Part Time College Assistant with City University of NY .
Mariana Espinosa-Polanco	No disclosure on file
Kayla Kaplan	Kayla Kaplan has nothing to disclose.
Dennique Khanns	Dennique Khanns has nothing to disclose.
Sangida Akter	Sangida Akter has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Part Time College Assistant with City University of NY .
	No disclosure on file