UC medical students express increased interest in neurosurgery

“We just had a real uptick in the interest in neurosurgery, particularly with students who are looking for research projects in the summer,” said Jed Hartings, PhD, vice chair of research at the UC Department of Neurosurgery. In 2021, at least a dozen students expressed interest in assisting neurosurgery faculty in research projects. All were matched with faculty mentors.  

One of those students is Troy Carnwath, a second year medical student who hopes to match in neurosurgery. He won an NREF grant for his research work with UC neurosurgeon Matthew Garrett, MD, PhD.

“Demand for research is beginning to exceed supply,” says Hartings, who appreciates the increased attention in the department. “We have been making efforts among multiple fronts and these are the dividends." 

Once a medical student expresses interest in neurosurgery, Hartings meets with the student to find out their background and interests. He also likes to learn if they have more of an interest in laboratory research versus clinical research and any sub-specialty interests. He says other medical students are willing to work on just about anything in order to get their foot in the door.  

At least 10 faculty members within the department of neurosurgery are currently serving as mentors for medical students, including neurosurgery faculty at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, like Jesse Skoch, MD, and Tim Phoenix, PhD. Hartings thinks this is something that students and faculty can both benefit from.

“It really behooves our program and reputation long term if students from the UC College of Medicine are successful on matching in neurosurgery,” he says. 

Featured photo at top of research pipette. Photo/Julie Forbes/University of Cincinnati.