Educational Objectives

The residency program requires its residents to obtain competencies in the six areas listed below to the level expected of a new practitioner. Toward this end, the program defines the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes required, while providing educational experiences as needed in order for their residents to demonstrate: 

1. Patient Care that is compassionate, appropriate and effective for the treatment of health problems and promotion of health. 
2. Medical Knowledge concerning established and evolving biomedical, clinical and cognate (e.g. epidemiological and social-behavioral) sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care. 
3. Practice-Based Learning and improvement that involves investigation and evaluation of their own patient care, appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence and improvements in patient care. 
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, families and other healthcare professionals. 
5. Professionalism as manifested through a commitment to carry out work-related responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles and sensitivity to a diverse patient population. 
6. Systems-Based Practice through actions that demonstrate an awareness of, and responsiveness to, the larger context and system of healthcare and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

The Emory University Neurosurgery Residency Training Program offers comprehensive, diverse and intense training in clinical neurosurgery and related disciplines and provides research training and opportunities for academic development and scholarship. In addition to the general requirements, the program recognizes the interest of trainees who wish to develop subspecialty clinical and academic/research training. These subspecialty areas include brain tumor, functional, neurocritical care, pediatrics, pituitary, spine and stroke/cerebrovascular.

This initiative to provide defined curricula and training opportunities in subspecialty areas was conceptualized by the Residency Program Director and created by the faculty in response to the trends in residency training and the needs of the specialty and workforce opportunities. The goal of the program is to allow residents to craft a personalized education that supports their individualized career goals. They are unique Academic/Development/Research Tracks, but all follow a similar template of coursework, scientific meetings, seminars/webinars, laboratory training, focused clinical exposure, grant support and mentorship. Residents have the opportunity to complete a CAST-accredited enfolded fellowship in their seventh year.  

A key component of the research education will be mentored laboratory or clinical research under the supervision of an experienced mentor. Prior to starting their research time, residents will work with a "Research Mentorship Council” of faculty investigators to discuss their interests and set themselves up for success in their elective/research years. Once they start their elective/research time, residents will also have the benefit of a mentor team comprising one-to-two members in addition to the primary mentor, and close supervision by the PIs. At least one member of the mentor team will be a clinician-investigator. The participants will also be able to take advantage of additional educational resources, including courses in research design and analysis, grant-writing and research ethics and elective courses tailored to their specific needs. At the completion of training, it is anticipated the participants will be competitive for career development awards such as an NIH K award, and thus accomplish the goal of fostering the development of clinician-investigators in neuroscience. 

Residents are encouraged to contribute to the scientific literature from their intern year and will discuss potential projects with their mentors and the “Research Mentorship Council.” The program provides funding for residents to present their work at regional and national neurosurgical meetings. In addition, the department offers a “Resident Catalyst Grant,” where one resident grant annually is selected for a $25,000 seed grant.

Residents are required to take the written examination of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) for self-examination during years two and three, and for credit during years four or five. Residents must pass this examination prior to commencing their chief year.