Residents have the opportunity to participate in individualized tracks depending on their career interests. This is a supplementary experience – those who participate should expected to receive the same strong clinical training that is the fundamental core of any residency program. Participation is also voluntary, and many residents simply choose to participate in the standard clinical track instead.
Research Academician Track
All UF Neurology residents engage in at least one longitudinal research project, but those residents with a particularly strong commitment to a research career may pursue the dedicated research academician track. Residents in this track are identified early during residency and participate in small-group educational workshops to develop their academic interests. They also work closely with Dr. Okun, Dr. Lavoie (Neurology Associate Chair of Research), and Dr. da Silva (Resident Research Director) to identify an appropriate research mentor and develop a strong and feasible research project no later than the beginning of their PGY3 year. Residents in the research track spend a greater number of elective rotations focused on research than most UF Neurology residents, including several consecutive months as a PGY4. Residents in this track are strongly encouraged to remain at UF for fellowship in order to finalize their research projects in depth. The goal of the track is to assist the resident with strong preparation for a successful early academic career, with intended application for a NIH K-award or equivalent.
Medical Education Track
Residents in the medical education track complete the full longitudinal Residents as Teachers (RasT) curriculum offered by the University of Florida during the PGY1/PGY2 years, then engage in a series of formal departmental teaching experiences as a senior resident. Residents refine their teaching skills through practical experience such as leading clerkship small-group practice-based learning cases, afternoon teaching rounds on the wards, or lumbar puncture simulations. Residents in the medical education track also pursue a medical education project as their longitudinal research project.