Aaron Cecala
The opportunity to attend medical school courses (“mind brain behavior”) allowed me to interact with many physician scientists in the University. Combined with the diverse course work, rotations, and journal clubs required for the Neurobiology & Anatomy degree, this opportunity allowed me to generate a context into which my basic science research on motor control could be applied to the rehabilitation of the senescent or injured nervous system. The numerous discussions with faculty and clinicians in these contexts have led to notebooks full of questions that will undoubtedly lead to future research projects in my career after graduating from UR.
The Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy (NBA) is deeply committed to, and maintains extensive responsibilities in, the medical school curriculum through its participation in development and administrative functions as well as leadership roles in key courses. The newly implemented double-helix curriculum has integrated basic and clinical disciplines across all four years of study. NBA faculty have been instrumental in developing the new curriculum, formulating new programs and "problem-based learning" modules, and training of other faculty. NBA faculty continue to maintain leading as well as participatory roles, and cooperate with other departments in a variety of functions related to medical education. Our faculty lead and participate extensively in two major course structures: Human Structure and Function (year 1; anatomy, histology, embryology and physiology) and Mind/Brain/Behavior (year 2; medical neurobiology). These courses also maintain counterparts in the later years of the curriculum. Many faculty also participate in other course offerings within the double-helix curriculum.
In addition, NBA faculty participate in a variety of venues within clinical residency and fellowship programs, particularly those in Neurology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Neurosurgery.
A particularly notable program, co-sponsored with Neurology, is the Post-Graduate Medical Scientist Training Program in Medical Neurobiology. This unique program is designed for MD-PhD graduates, and provides advanced training for individuals seeking an integrated path through a clinical residency in Neurology together with a post-doctoral research fellowship in Neurobiology.
As part of a broad initiative to establish an academic track within the medical school curriculum, the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy offers an Academic Honors Program in Medical Neurobiology. This five-year Program adds an additional year of study, research and teaching experience to the medical curriculum, culminating in a Master's of Science Degree in Neurobiology and Anatomy that is conferred along with the MD degree upon graduation. For more information about this program, please see M.D.-M.S. Program in Medical Neurobiology (M.D.-M.S.).