Tripti Brar, MBBS, MS, and Joshua Sturm, MD, PhD, newly appointed faculty members and assistant professors of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Montefiore Einstein, were recently selected as mentees for the Neely National Clinician-Scientist Mentorship Network of the Triological Society (TRIO). Supported by an inaugural five-year R25 grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in August 2024, this unique program pairs young otorhinolaryngologists interested in clinician-scientist careers with experienced NIH-funded physician-otorhinolaryngologist-scientists as mentors. The program aims to strengthen the research training pipeline support among otorhinolaryngologist-scientists. Acceptance into this program is a testament to Dr. Brar’s and Dr. Sturm’s expertise, exceptional academic achievements and potential to lead transformative NIH-funded research while delivering outstanding patient care.

As part of the program, Dr. Brar and Dr. Sturm will engage in a structured two-year program that includes three in-person and eight virtual meetings per year, one-on-one mentoring opportunities, mock grant reviews and online educational materials for clinical research. Mentees will also maintain a Listserv, creating a virtual community for collaboration and learning from the Neely Mentorship Network. 

A significant strength of the program includes the depth and breadth of the Network, which includes mentors whose research spans a wide variety of interests such as hearing, balance, speech, olfaction, health disparities and other areas related to otolaryngology, such as cancer and immunology, using basic science and translational and clinical research methods. Each mentee will be paired with a primary mentor and build relationships with secondary mentors as needed. 

By being selected into this prestigious national network, Drs. Brar and Sturm can help increase the pipeline of clinician-scientists in otorhinolaryngology securing NIH grants and advancing the field. This honor highlights our commitment to excellence in research, education and clinical care and to supporting the next generation of leaders in otorhinolaryngology.