Career Development Program for Underrepresented in Medicine Scholars in Academic Neurology

Abstract

Background:The Training in Research for Academic Neurologists to Sustain Careers and Enhance the Numbers of Diverse Scholars (TRANSCENDS) program is a career advancement opportunity for individuals underrepresented in biomedical research, funded by the National Institute and Neurological Disorders and Stroke; and American Academy of Neurology (AAN).Objective:To report on qualitative and quantitative outcomes in TRANSCENDS.Design:Early career individuals (neurology fellows and junior faculty) from groups underrepresented in medicine were competitively selected from a national pool of applicants (2016-2019). TRANSCENDS activities comprised an online Clinical Research degree program, monthly webinars, AAN meeting activities, and mentoring. Participants were surveyed during and after completion of TRANSCENDS to evaluate program components.Outcomes:Of 23 accepted scholars (comprising four successive cohorts), 56% were women; 61% Hispanic/Latinx, 30% Black/African American, 30% assistant professors. To date, 48% have graduated the TRANSCENDS program and participants have published 180 peer-reviewed articles. Mentees' feedback noted that professional skills development (i.e., manuscript and grant writing), networking opportunities, and mentoring were the most beneficial elements of the program. Stated opportunities for improvement included: incorporating a mentor-the-mentor workshop, providing more transitional support for mentees in the next stage of their careers, and requiring mentees to provide quarterly reports.Conclusions:TRANSCENDS is a feasible program for supporting underrepresented in medicine neurologists towards careers in research and faculty academic appointments attained thus far have been sustained. While longer term outcomes and process enhancements are warranted, programs like this may help increase the numbers of diverse academic neurologists, and further drive neurological innovation.

The 2021 William Feinberg Award Lecture Seeking Glocal Solutions to Cerebrovascular Health Inequities

“…56 Based on the first 2 cohorts, which have graduated from TRANSCENDS, we are seeing academic productivity figures that compare well with other non-neurological programs of this type, and with expectations of all promising early career faculty (regardless of background). 57 Second, our…”

“…56 Based on the first 2 cohorts, which have graduated from TRANSCENDS, we are seeing academic productivity figures that compare well with other non-neurological programs of this type, and with expectations of all promising early career faculty (regardless of background). 57 Second, our HEADS-UP program (Table 4) conducted in partnership with the American Stroke Association, in the form of a one-day scientific symposium, which takes place at the time of the International Stroke Conference, is focused on stroke disparities science, as well as career development activities for promising early stage stroke inequities researchers of all race-ethnicities. 58…”

Academic Neurology and the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Teleneurology offers a measure of health equity to persons with disabilities that otherwise limit their access to inperson visits. 22,23 and the results of the first cycle show a high degree of scholar endorsement. Mentorship is a deliberate and active process that we all have the opportunity to engage in.…”

“…Virtual visiting professorships, typically full-day events with a formal lecture and then individual faculty and group trainee meetings, open doors for underrepresented minority in medicine (URM) faculty across the country, who not only can share their clinical expertise and research but also inspire URM medical students, trainees, and staff. As an illustrative example, the Training in Research for Academic Neurologists to Sustain Careers and Enhance the Numbers of Diverse Scholars (TRANSCENDS) AAN program uses online connectivity as a core part of the program, 22,23 and the results of the first cycle show a high degree of scholar endorsement. Mentorship is a deliberate and active process that we all have the opportunity to engage in.…”

Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: 2021 Update

“…The TRANSCENDS program (Training in Research for Academic Neurologists to Sustain Careers and Enhance the Numbers of Diverse Scholars), in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology competitively selects UIM trainees, provides formal education, mentorship, monthly online seminars, and annual meeting, educational and networking opportunities. 36,37 The HEADS-UP annual preconference International Stroke Conference symposium invites preeminent stroke inequities researchers from various scientific and professional backgrounds, leverages existing knowledge dissemination channels and key partnerships, highlights promising work, informs policy makers, and trains postdoctoral scholars and junior faculty to pursue careers in this field, catalyzing the development, and successful implementation of interventions aimed at bridging inequities.…”