Chandra wins Best Abstract in Medical Education and Training
The Congress of Neurological Surgeons named Ankush Chandra, MD, PGY-6, chief resident in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, the recipient of the Best Abstract in Medical Education and Training award.
Chandra received the honor for his work, “Dedicated Research Structure During Neurosurgery Residency: Impact on Academic Productivity and Long-Term Success.”
Selected from more than 4,000 submitted abstracts, Chandra’s study stood out for its rigorous comparison of one versus two dedicated research years in neurosurgery residency programs. Conducted under the mentorship of Manish Aghi, MD, PhD, professor and vice chair of neurosurgery at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, the research provides the first analysis of how differing research-year structures may affect academic success.
The findings revealed that although traditional 5+2 programs — in which residents complete five years of clinical training followed by two years of dedicated research — continue to correlate with higher metrics of academic success, newer grant mechanisms are beginning to level the playing field. These mechanisms show benefits for trainees in 6+1 programs, women, and those from institutions that aren’t top ranked.
Chandra received the award at the 2025 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, one of the world’s largest neurosurgical conferences. The meeting provides a global forum for neurosurgeons, researchers, educators, and trainees to exchange leading-edge science and best practices.
“This recognition underscores UTHealth Houston’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and equity in neurosurgical training and education,” Chandra said.