Building the Neurology Pipeline With Undergraduate Students in Research and Clinical Practice

Abstract

There is currently a shortage of neurologists in the United States. Multiple efforts are underway to increase the strength of the neurology workforce. One potential approach is early exposure to neurology research and clinical care to pique interest and promote the specialty as a career choice. This study details the rewarding experience of working with undergraduate students, both in clinical research and clinical care. The logistics, benefits to students, and positive aspects for neurologists are outlined. Examples provided by undergraduate students who have participated in neurology research and clinical care are presented. The ultimate goals of this work are to encourage and inspire academic neurologists to involve undergraduate students in research and clinical care, to facilitate this process by outlining the steps needed to make this pairing successful, and to ultimately promote a pathway to build the neurology pipeline.