Research
Training in research methods and experience doing research are important aspects of Neurology resident education. At Upstate Neurology, all residents are required to complete a scholarly project.
During the first year each resident selects a mentor with expertise in the trainee’s area of interest. The recommended timeline for the project is:
- PGY-2 - Choose research project and perform literature review
- PGY-3 - Collect data
- PGY-4 - Present abstract and write paper
Annual research updates take place in June at the end of each academic year. Each resident is assigned 30 minutes to give an update on the status of their project. Faculty members with expertise in study design offer “Study Design Consultation” at critical points in project development.
Examples of research projects include the following:
- Clinical research
- Basic and translational science
- Outcomes and health care utilization research
- Medical education research
- Clinical case presentation with review of the literature
Conference Presentations
The department strongly encourages resident research presentations at national and regional conferences. Many residents submit abstracts to the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association and several neurology subspecialty meetings. All residents receive a yearly educational stipend that can be used for conference travel provided to those with accepted first author presentations. Residents presenting as first author can receive up to $2000/year of funding for conference attendance (see "stipend and benefits" section for further clarification).
Journal Club
Residents attend monthly Journal Clubs. Each session focuses on an important recent paper. At least two faculty members moderate, one a subspecialty content expert and one to assist with study design critique and interpretation.
AAN Evidence-based Medicine
This course was developed by experts at the AAN to educate neurology residents on EBM. Ten modules with pre and post tests are delivered every 3 years by faculty with expertise in research.
Other scholarly activity
Residents are strongly encouraged to report interesting patients as case reports or case series. This activity allows the resident to review a subject and learn how to evaluate the clinical literature. It also develops resident writing skills under faculty guidance.
Quality Improvement
All residents participate in M & M conferences. Residents select a quality improvement project and work in teams. These projects are presented in October during Neuroscience Grand Rounds. Updates and/or status of the project is presented at the end of the year in June.