University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Clinical Neuroscientist Training Program (CNS-TP)

Physician scientists play a key role in current biomedical research due to their ability to integrate knowledge derived from clinical activities with experimental observations gained in the laboratory. In recognition of the importance of this role, we offer the Clinical Neuroscientist Training Program (CNS-TP), which unites post-graduate research and training through the Neurology residency and fellowship. The CNS-TP is modeled after the flexible neurology residency proposed by the American Neurological Association, and is designed to fully utilize the resources of the Department of Neurology, Graduate Program in Neurosciences and University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

The University of Iowa Neurology Residency Program offers the CNS-TP pathway for selected trainees, with an individualized and flexible postgraduate training program that spans the four-year residency, and guaranteed fellowship/postdoctoral training for two additional years. The program is designed for physicians interested in pursuing a career in academic neurology who have already demonstrated interest and proficiency in biomedical research. The competitive CNS-TP candidate will hold the MD degree (or equivalent), with or without a PhD, and show clear evidence of a strong desire to pursue an academic career in the clinical Neurosciences.

Candidates who enter the program will enjoy close mentorship from leading neuroscientists at the University of Iowa matched on the basis of their specific career interests, will undergo tailored training with significant flexibility to facilitate the integration of clinical rotations and research activities, and will benefit from supplemental stipend and academic allowances. The ultimate goal of the CNS-TP is to foster the career development of trainees by facilitating their transition to independence as physician-scientists, and to make them competitive for a K award, an RO1 or other funding mechanism.

The infrastructure for basic, clinical and translational research at Iowa is broad and the commitment to biomedical and Neuroscience research strong. The CNS-TP resident will benefit from various programs and laboratories of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, including the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, the Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program, the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, the Center for Gene Therapy, and the NIH-funded Pain Training Program, among many others. Trainees will also benefit from outstanding Core Research Facilities that provide state-of-the-art research resources to facilitate biomedical research, and the recently created Office of Postdoctoral Scholars that serves as the administrative home for postdoctoral scholars and fellows at the University of Iowa.

The Clinical Neuroscientist Training Program at a Glance

• Guarantee of two years post-graduate fellowship training in selected field of interest
• An enhanced interview experience, including meetings with key Iowa scientific leadership
• Upon graduation, all qualifications for American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology eligibility will be met
• 12 months of time to pursue research career development, during the 48 month residency, protected other than continuity of care clinic and call
• Stipend supplementation of $10,000 per year (PG-2 through PG-4 years) and academic allowances, contingent upon demonstrated progress and achievement of specific benchmarks (see Table below)
• Personal career mentoring from onset of the program
• Networking with other University of Iowa professional development programs (MSTP, PSTP IGPN, OPS) through journal clubs, research days, and ad hoc gatherings

Applying to the CNS-TP

• Interest in the CNS-TP should be expressed upon application to the residency program
• Candidates must apply through ERAS and match through the NRMP match
• Upon matriculating residency, candidates should hold the MD (or equivalent) degree, with or without PhD
• Selection will be made on a competitive basis