Neuroepidemiology Fellowship
Michigan State University
International Neurological and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program (INPEP)
Although 80% of the global burden of people suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders reside in developing regions of the world, the vast majority of neurologic expertise are placed in developed regions, particularly the United States. Many sub-Saharan African countries have no neurologist to serve even their medical teaching institutions. Given the dearth of neurologic expertise in many regions, research to understand risk factors for acute and chronic neurologic disorders in such environments is almost non-existent despite the clear public health implications of unrecognized, untreated and potentially preventable disease.
MSU’s International Neurologic & Psychiatric Epidemiology Program has faculty whose research and clinical interests are aimed at decreasing the burden of neuropsychiatric disorders in developing regions as well as improving access to care for such patients in these environments. We are now offering a 1-2 year fellowship for fully trained clinical neurologists to develop the research expertise necessary to undertake an academic career in the study of neurologic disorders that impact the developing world. Although most individuals would require 2-years of training, those applicants with significant research training and/or international experience might be appropriate for consideration of a 1-year position.
Potential applicants should anticipate ~3 months annually of international work related to their research interests. Initially, fellows might begin by working with senior investigators who are already established in their work, although applicants with international relationships and a potential project in mind would be very encouraged. Research training includes close mentoring from faculty, most of whom are NIH-funded investigators in addition to didactic course work through the MSU Department of Epidemiology. Fellows are expected to complete the coursework for a certificate or Master’s in Epidemiology. Those interested in seeking PhD-level training would be encouraged to do so although > 2 years is required for this endeavor. Multidisciplinary training which might include exposure to course work and mentors in sociology, anthropology, and health services research are possible.
For more information please contact:
David I. Kaufman, D.O.
Michigan State University
Professor and Chair
Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology
804 Service Road, A-217
East Lansing, MI 48824
Tele: +1-517-432-9277
Fax: +1-517-432-9414
Email: kaufman1@msu.edu