Education • Training Programs
Research Meetings for Trainees
Weekly collaborative research meetings bringing together faculty, fellows, residents, medical students, and undergraduate students from the University of Pittsburgh in a dynamic learning environment focused on advancing neurosurgical research and professional development.
Weekly Research Meetings
Our weekly research meetings bring together a diverse group of learners and educators from across the University of Pittsburgh in a dynamic environment dedicated to advancing neurosurgical research and professional development.
What to Expect
Research Activities
- Research Project Reviews: Present ongoing work and receive constructive feedback from faculty and peers
- Faculty Guidance: Expert mentorship on methodology and research direction from experienced neurosurgeons
- Collaborative Discussion: Cross-disciplinary insights and problem-solving with participants from various levels
- Resource Sharing: Access to tools, techniques, and research opportunities within the SCOLI network
Career Development
- Academic Mentorship: Guidance for academic and clinical career paths in neurosurgery
- Publication Strategy: Support for manuscript development and submission processes
- Networking: Connect with peers and faculty across all levels of training
- Professional Growth: Skills development in research methodology and scientific communication
Our Research Community
Our meetings bring together a diverse group of learners and educators from across the University of Pittsburgh:
Faculty & Staff Experienced researchers and clinicians providing mentorship and expertise in neurosurgical research methodologies.
Fellows & Residents Advanced trainees conducting cutting-edge research while developing clinical expertise in neurosurgery.
Medical Students Future physicians gaining hands-on research experience and mentorship for residency applications, with special emphasis on neurosurgery pathways.
Undergraduate Students Pitt undergraduates exploring research opportunities and building foundations for future careers in medicine and research.
All Experience Levels Welcome: Whether you’re just starting your research journey or looking to advance current projects, these meetings provide valuable insights and connections for every participant.
Neurosurgery Residency Application Support
Our faculty provide dedicated mentorship for successful neurosurgery residency applications. Medical students interested in neurosurgery are especially encouraged to participate regularly in our meetings.
Research Portfolio Development Build a competitive research portfolio with faculty guidance and collaborative opportunities that strengthen your residency applications.
Publication Strategy Receive guidance on manuscript development, submission processes, and publication timelines to enhance your academic profile.
Application Planning Strategic timeline planning and application preparation with experienced mentors who understand the competitive neurosurgery match process.
Interview Preparation Practice sessions and guidance for residency interview success and networking opportunities with program directors and faculty.
Meeting Guidelines
Important Guidelines
- Preparation: Come ready to discuss your current research or ask specific questions
- Participation: Active engagement and collaboration are encouraged and valued
- Confidentiality: Respect ongoing research and maintain appropriate discretion
- Virtual Attendance: Meeting links will be provided via email for remote participation
- Scheduling: Meetings may be rescheduled for holidays or special events
Get Involved
Ready to join our collaborative research community? Contact Karen Hlavac at hlavackp@upmc.edu to receive the weekly research meeting invite and become part of our dynamic learning environment.
Get Meeting Invite
Program Mission
To provide a collaborative learning environment where trainees at all levels can engage with cutting-edge neurosurgical research, receive mentorship from experienced faculty, and develop essential skills for their academic and clinical careers.
Program Areas
Research Activities
Present ongoing work and receive constructive feedback, engage in cross-disciplinary insights and problem-solving, and access tools, techniques, and research opportunities.
Career Development
Receive guidance for academic and clinical career paths, support for manuscript development and submission, networking opportunities with peers and faculty, and skills development in research methodology.
Neurosurgery Residency Support
Dedicated mentorship for successful neurosurgery residency applications including research portfolio development, publication strategy guidance, interview preparation, and strategic timeline planning.
Program Structure
Our weekly research meetings follow a structured format designed to maximize learning and collaboration. Meetings are held regularly with the possibility of rescheduling for holidays or special events. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to discuss current research or ask specific questions. Active participation and collaboration are emphasized, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality for ongoing research projects. Virtual attendance options are available with meeting links provided via email.
Program Activities
Weekly Research Meetings
WeeklyOngoing weekly meetings featuring research project reviews, faculty mentorship sessions, collaborative discussions, and career development workshops.
Neurosurgery Residency Mentorship
OngoingStructured mentorship program for medical students interested in neurosurgery, providing guidance on research portfolios, publication strategies, and residency application processes.
Professional Development Series
MonthlySpecialized sessions on research methodology, manuscript preparation, academic networking, and career advancement in neurosurgical research.
Program Staff
Faculty Mentors
Faculty Mentors
Various Departments
Neurosurgical Research Expertise
Mentorship and Guidance
Eligibility & Participation
Our research meetings are open to all University of Pittsburgh community members interested in neurosurgical research. We welcome participation from faculty, fellows, residents, medical students, and undergraduate students. The meetings provide a unique opportunity to connect across disciplines and experience levels, fostering collaboration and innovation in spine research.
Program Benefits
Participants in our research meetings receive comprehensive training and professional development opportunities. Medical students gain hands-on research experience and mentorship for residency applications. Residents and fellows develop advanced research skills while building their clinical expertise. Undergraduate students explore research opportunities and build foundations for future careers. All participants benefit from direct faculty mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge neurosurgical research methodologies.