Educating the Next Generation of Global Neurosurgical Researchers
The Peer Mentorship Program pairs early-career medical professionals from underserved regions with experienced mentors to tackle research disparities and produce impactful neurosurgical work. This initiative fosters a collaborative environment that helps bridge the gap in global medical research.
Bridging Gaps for Better
Neuro-Opportunites through mentorships
The Peer Mentorship program connects medical students and attendings from across the globe with experienced & decorated mentors in neurosurgery. The goal is to address research disparity and ensure that future leaders in underserved regions have access to research opportunities that allow them to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Mentor & Mentee Pairing
Students are matched with experienced mentors who have research expertise. Mentors work closely with students to develop a research project, while providing guidance and support throughout the process.
Collaborative Research
Each team works on a neurosurgical research project, guided by a faculty member, with the aim of producing a manuscript by the end of the program. The focus is on addressing issues that impact global neurosurgery, especially in underserved regions.
Presentation & Symposium
At the conclusion of the program, participants present their research at the annual MissionResearch Symposium, providing an opportunity for recognition and further collaboration within the global neurosurgical community.
Limitless Opportunities for Expansion
Our Peer Mentorship Program operates in nine countries, with potential for expansion. Many researchers in low- and middle-income regions lack resources and mentorship. By growing our program and extending partnerships, we aim to empower the next generation of global researchers.
Expanding access to essential research tools and mentorship
Nurturing a collaborative, international research network
Get all of your peer-mentorship questions answered
Please review these before reaching out!
The main objective is to bridge the global disparity in research by empowering participants to publish research that addresses neurosurgical challenges in underrepresented regions. By the end of the program, mentees will have developed research skills and contributed to a manuscript for potential publication.
The program is built on values such as Excellence, Compassion, Integrity, Knowledge, Diversity, Initiative, and Collaboration. These values guide every participant and mentor to ensure an ethical, respectful, and impactful experience.
The program currently operates in nine countries and aims to expand into more underrepresented and underserved regions worldwide.
Mentees receive guidance from experienced mentors and faculty advisors, mainly based in the US. They are also provided with networking opportunities, access to research resources, and the opportunity to contribute to a research manuscript by the end of the program.
While there is no direct participation fee, mentees are asked to donate $20 to a Mission:Brain-associated nonprofit for each hour of mentorship they receive. This contribution supports the broader Mission:Brain initiatives.
The mentorship program runs throughout the year, culminating in the submission of research at the Mission:Brain Research Symposium held at Columbia University in October 2024. Participants are expected to work consistently on their research projects during this time.
Participants work on projects that address global disparities in neurosurgical care and research. This can range from policy solutions, innovations in surgical techniques, to healthcare technology, among other areas of focus.
Each mentee is paired with a faculty member who has research experience, along with up to 5 peers. Together, they brainstorm research projects, collect data, and work towards submitting an abstract for the annual Mission:Brain Research Symposium.
Any medical student or early-career professional with an interest in neurosurgery or neuroscience research can apply. The program is particularly focused on applicants from low- and middle-income countries where research resources are limited.
The Peer Mentorship Program is an initiative designed to pair young medical professionals and students from underrepresented regions with experienced researchers. The goal is to help mentees develop essential research skills, collaborate on projects, and contribute to global neurosurgery research.
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