FINDING YOUR DIRECTION
The journey into the field of medicine can be inundating. Providing aid is vital in the profession. However, it is not only just aid for patients, but also for future generations of physicians. After all, at its core, medicine is a all about helping others.
The research team strongly advocates for the concept of mentorship. Assisting budding healthcare providers achieve their aspirations is a pertinent part to advancing the healthcare system as a whole.
NEUROSURGERY RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
A large focus of the lab has been to provide up and coming undergraduates and medical students with research opportunities. This enables an early exposure to medicine or perhaps even to Neurosurgery.
Armed with knowledge and guidance, trainees are enabled with the necessary tools required to be successful. This in turn will produce active members in the field of medicine who will provide guidance and mentorship of their own later on in their career.
A previous study has supported that earlier and organized involvement of the neurosurgical department in medical student education can result in a a greater number of well-qualified residency applicants into neurological surgery.
NEUROSURGERY FUNDAMENTALS
Innovating and driving the field forward via active research is one way to provide exposure for those interested in pursuing a career in academic neurological surgery. However, establishing where to begin can be challenging. As such, through collaboration with several thought leaders in Neurosurgery, Dr. Agarwal has compiled a primer for the field in his easily-digestible and step-by-step book, Neurosurgery Fundamentals.
Navigating all the minutia within a complex and specialized field of medicine can be overwhelming. As such this quintessential guide provides a road map for success covering the key concepts any trainee should know.
RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE
Research is a team sport. Collaboration is key for success. To this end, the research team consists of three core members – Tavis Taylor (an aspiring researcher, writer, and physician assistant); Souvik Roy (an aspiring neurosurgery resident); and Kevin Patel (an aspiring neurosurgery resident). All team members support undergraduates and medical students in their endeavors.
FINDING MENTORS
Overall, mentorship is the key to success. Dr. Agarwal had the privilege to present on “How to Choose a Neurosurgery Mentor” as part of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Young Neurosurgeons Committee How to Apply to Residency Course.
He advised good mentors will have the characteristics:
- Will not sugar coat.
- Have common ground.
- Connect with important contacts.
- Answer questions.
Of course, mentorship is a two-way street. Ultimately, mentees who demonstrate important life skills such as integrity, focus, and discipline while striving for their goals are likely to succeed.
The AANS offers a mentorship program available here: https://www.aans.org/en/Trainees/Residents-Fellows/Mentoring-Program.
