Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Operative Technique and Nuances for the Stereoelectroencephalographic SEEG Methodology Utilizing a Robotic Stereotactic Guidance System
Published on: June 9, 2023
Fostering Student Interest in Neurologic Surgery: The University of Pittsburgh Experience
Ahmed Kashkoush1, Rafey Feroze1, Stephanie Myal1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Introduction:
Early involvement and research in neurosurgery can increase chances for medical students to matriculate successfully into residency. This study reports the creation of a Neurological Surgery Interest Group (NSIG) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and shares its activities over 2 academic years.
Methods:
In October 2014, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's NSIG was created to augment medical student interest in neurosurgery. The group consisted of 4 appointed officers for a membership base of 100 students. In June 2015, a neurosurgery resident and faculty member joined as mentors. A research committee of 14 medical students was created to conduct collaborative research projects with the department. In August of 2015 and 2016, surveys were sent out to the research committee regarding research productivity.
Results:
The NSIG hosted 17 medical student-oriented events over 2 years, including didactic and suturing workshops, senior faculty panels, postmatch talks, and a neurosurgery networking dinner. A survey of students about scholarly achievement in neurosurgery reported 17 accepted publications in peer-reviewed journals with a mean impact factor of 3.5 ± 2.5. Ten abstracts were submitted to the 2015 and 2016 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Scientific Meetings, with a 100% acceptance rate. An increase in the number of students matching from our institution into neurosurgery residencies was observed following the group's inception.
Conclusions:
An NSIG can be mutually beneficial to both medical students and an institution's neurosurgical department. This study's findings may be applied to numerous specialties and across various academic institutions.
