Training the Next Generation of Geriatric-Focused Clinical Neuroscientists

It remains challenging to integrate clinical neuroscience into clinical practice. Hindrances at the training level (e.g., lack of qualified faculty and curriculum) contribute to this impasse. To help address this, we present a model of training in clinical neuroscience. We expand on a growing literature on incorporating neuroscience into psychiatry training by emphasizing two points. That is, 1) we propose a training model designed for the geriatric-minded clinician; and 2) that extends across several phases of education and career development. Considering the relevance of dementia to our population of interest, and the potential impact expertise in clinical neuroscience can have in elders with cognitive impairment, we provide relevant curriculum examples at various training stages. Clinical research, both as a practitioner and consumer, figures prominently into our training model. We discuss two mentoring programs, T32 fellowships and Research Career Institute in the Mental Health of Aging, as ways to engage geriatric psychiatrists early in their training and transition them successfully to post-residency clinical investigator positions. Although there is increasing opportunity for geriatric psychiatrists and other clinicians to become leaders in the field of neuroscience, this remains a work in progress; ours and others’ training programs continue to evolve based on input from trainers and trainees alike, as well as from the increasing literature on this important topic.