ABPN
One year of training in general pediatrics in an ACGME-accredited program and one year of research in the basic neurosciences. The basic neuroscience pathway was created as an alternative track for residents who are planning a research career in academic child neurology. The year of basic neuroscience must provide training in a research discipline related to child neurology and is intended to increase the trainee’s knowledge base and competitiveness for federal and nonfederal grant support. The trainee must make at least an 80 percent time commitment to basic neuroscience during this year of training.
For the purpose of this training track, “basic neuroscience” (BNS) is defined as laboratory research related to the cellular or molecular basis of neurologic diseases. Examples of relevant basic disciplines include molecular neurogenetics, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuroimmunology, developmental neurobiology, biophysics, and cell biology.
Effective for residents entering residency training in child neurology as of July 1, 2003, the written proposal for the neurosciences research training track must be submitted to the Board for approval no later than six months prior to the date the research training track is to begin. A form to guide the applicant’s description of the research, his or her role, skills to be acquired, and the likely outcomes (e.g., presentations and/or peer-reviewed manuscripts) is part of the information to be provided. Credit will be given for basic neuroscience training obtained as part of an integrated clinical neuroscience program leading to certification in neurology with special qualification in child neurology. Credit cannot be obtained for basic neuroscience training obtained as part of a degree-granting program (e.g., PhD).
The completed BNS application form (below), along with letters from the mentor (and child neurology program director, if a different individual), must be submitted and must describe the research and explain how the year of neuroscience relates to child neurology and to the trainee’s academic career. All documentation of pediatrics training must also be submitted. Documentation must include exact dates of training (from month/day/year to month/day/year).
Residents entering child neurology training prior to July 1, 2003, should contact the ABPN for detailed guidance about the requirements for the BNS Research pathway.
Child Neurology Basic Neuroscience Research Pathway Application
