Department of Neurosurgery

College Students

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Clinical Neuroscience Scholar Academy

Clinical Neuroscience Scholar Academy is a one‑week program designed to introduce motivated college students to the breadth, depth, and human impact of modern neurosciences. Through structured shadowing, interactions with residents and advanced practice providers, and small‑group teaching, participants gain firsthand exposure to the clinical, surgical, diagnostic, and scientific foundations that shape contemporary care for patients with neurological disease.

Full document is linked here.

Timeframe: July 20-24, 2026

Purpose

The program aims to:

Inspire early interest in neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology and anesthesia.
Provide an authentic clinical exposure across multiple subspecialties
Introduce students to the multidisciplinary ecosystem that supports patient care
Cultivate curiosity, professionalism, and foundational clinical reasoning skills
Offer mentorship and career guidance from physicians, residents and scientists.

Program Components

Neurosurgery in the Operating Room
Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic
Neurology Clinic
Neuroradiology
Neuropathology
Clinical Neuroscience Research

Educational Enhancements

Debriefs with faculty and residents
Career panels and Q&A sessions
Small group discussion and reflections on experience

Outcome

By the end of the week, students leave with:

A multidimensional understanding of clinical neurosciences
Exposure to real patient care across the full diagnostic and treatment pathway
Mentorship connections with clinicians and trainees
Greater clarity about potential careers in neurology, neurosurgery, radiology or neuroscience research

Schedule

Day	Morning	Noon	Afternoon
Monday July 20, 2026	Neurosurgery Didactic	Lunch with Resident Panel	Neurosurgery Clinic (General)
Tuesday July 21, 2026	Neurosurgery OR
Wednesday July 22, 2026	Neurosurgery Clinic (Spine)	Neuroradiology Conference	Neurology clinic
Thursday July 23, 2026	Neurosurgery Clinic (Oncology)	Lunch Seminar: Career in Medicine	Neuropathology conference
Friday July 24, 2026	Anesthesia	Brain Tumor Conference	Career discussion and Debrief

Faculty

Neurosurgery Didactic: Department of Neurosurgery (grand rounds, spine conference, vascular conference and oncology conference
General Neurosurgery Clinic: Prak Sampath, MD
Neurosurgery Operative Experience: Clark Chen, MD PhD
Spine Neurosurgery Clinic: Adetokunbo Oyelese, MD
Neuroradiology: Glenn Tung, MD
Career in Medicine: Clark Chen, MD PhD
Neuropathology: Michael Punsoni, MD
Anesthesia: Alexander Cohen, MD
Career Discussion and Debrief: Clark Chen, MD PhD

Application Requirements

Students interested in the Clinical Neuroscience Scholar are invited to submit a brief application that helps us understand their interests, background, and motivation for participating. The application includes three components:

One-Paragraph Personal Statement - A concise paragraph (150-200 words) describing your interest in clinical neurosciences, what you hope to gain from the program, and how this experience aligns with your academic or career goals.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) - A current CV outlining academic history, relevant coursework, extracurricular involvement, and research experience (if any), volunteer activities, and other experiences that reflect your curiosity and commitment to learning.
Two Letters of Reference - Two letters from professors, mentors, supervisors, or advisors who can comment on your character, work ethic, and potential to benefit from an immersive clinical experience. Letters may be submitted directly by the references.

Submission and Deadline

All application materials should be submitted electronically as a single PDF packet (with letters sent separately if needed). Applications are due by: Friday, May 29, 2026.

Please submit your application to Elisabeth Pellegrino, the program administrator, at: Elisabeth.Pellegrino@brownhealth.org. Applicants will be notified of decisions approximately 3 weeks after the deadline.

Program Participant Reflections:

“The depth and breadth you get from this experience is unique and inspiring. Being able to interact with faculty and witnessing surgeries firsthand really helped me to further my understanding of medicine. Absolutely recommend this experience.”

“Between the breadth of disciplines and the experiences this program provided me with, I was truly impressed with how much I learned and how much there is left to learn. Everyone I met was exceedingly patient and willing to help.”

“At first, neuroscience feels complex and often overwhelming. But this week taught me that the key to neuroscience is to keep an open mind. I loved learning from all the faculty members throughout the week.”

“The program was really eye-opening. The most impactful part of the program was seeing patients in clinic, which helped to shape my interest in medicine. I recommend the program to any students interested in medicine.”

“The program was a highly immersive and extensive introduction to a neurosurgeon’s typical week that has been one of my most formative experiences as a pre-medical student. From the OR to multi-disciplinary clinic, every day is packed with opportunities to see various aspects of patient care and learn from different members of the neurosurgery team at RI Hospital. Dr. Chen is an incredible mentor who is always happy to provide us with insights into both the technical and deeply personal parts of practicing medicine.”

“The CNSA offered a rare view of neurology and neurosurgery from the inside, spanning the OR, inpatient rounds, and outpatient clinic. Watching a resection and then sitting in on a neurosurgical spine clinic made clear how much of patient care happens in the reasoning and coordination that patients never see. For me, however, the most valuable experience came from the conversations with residents and attendings—a window into what the path into this field actually entails, along with guidance from those with years of experience.”

“My time with the program gave me invaluable insights into medicine from multiple perspectives, expanding my view of what patient care truly involves. Everyone I encountered demonstrated a deep commitment to their patients and to teaching, going above and beyond to make the most of our experience. From the clinics to the OR, I gained an understanding of the reasoning behind physician's process of care. I am incredibly grateful for having had this opportunity.”

CNSA Class of 2025

CNSA Class of 2026