Feasibility and Short-Term Outcomes of the MGH Youth Neurology Education and Research Program (2033)

Objective: To offer a novel opportunity for students of backgrounds underrepresented in neurology to engage in remote paid neurology education and research amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Neurologic disorders disproportionately burden female, American Indian, Black, Latino and lower socioeconomic status populations. Concomitantly, there is stark underrepresentation of these communities in the neurology workforce demonstrating a need for effective efforts to recruit students from underrepresented backgrounds into neurology.

Design/Methods: We recruited high school and undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in neurology to participate in a paid remote neurology education and research program. Proposed activities included mentored neurology research, didactic sessions, and individualized support.

Results: The program’s 31 students predominantly identified as female 68%, Black or Latino 68%, immigrant 39%, and first-generation students 61% living across underserved communities in Massachusetts 96%. Mentored research occurred in teams across 11 neurology labs spanning basic, translational, clinical, and health services research covering a variety of neurologic conditions. Didactic sessions exposed participants to career development, discovery, innovation, and leadership topics led by neurology professionals. Individualized support facilitated understanding of students’ professional aspirations and challenges to better support their goals. Following program completion, 90% of students indicated interest in pursuing a career in neurology compared to 21% at the start of the program, with most participants planning to pursue graduate or professional studies 90% and work in healthcare 84%.

Conclusions: Offering a structured opportunity for students of backgrounds underrepresented in neurology to engage in remote paid neurology education and research was feasible despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides a framework to develop effective education and research programs that engage students from backgrounds underrepresented in neurology. While short-term outcomes are encouraging, longer-term efforts are needed to continue to diversify the neurology workforce and advance equity.

Disclosure: Madison Ellin has nothing to disclose. Alazar Ayele has nothing to disclose. Johanna Jobin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mejia has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Neurology. The institution of Dr. Mejia has received research support from Biogen Foundation.