Resources for early- and mid-career academics

Academic careers

An academic career provides incredible variety and opportunity—blending education, research, and clinical care as part of the tripartite mission of academic neurology. Finding a mix that energizes you will lead you to a rewarding career.

Are you interested in a career in academic neurology? Are you looking to advance your career in academic neurology? Explore these resources.

Upcoming events

Events at the AAN Annual Meeting

  • Future Leaders in Academic Neurology
    Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 
    Moving into leadership in academic neurology is a daunting task. How can early-career academics approach this endeavor? What skills should they acquire? What opportunities should they accept or decline? What are some potential roadblocks? The Advancing Women in Academics Subcommittee will explore these questions and more with particular attention to inequities around women in neurology leadership.
  • Associate Professor Program and Networking Event
    Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
    Achieving the rank of associate professor is a great accomplishment, but what happens next? This three-person panel, made up of members of the Academic Neurology Committee's Associate Professor Work Group, will facilitate discussion about the triumphs and tribulations of being an associate professor and how to navigate the unique challenges of this often-overlooked academic group. Following this program, attendees will enjoy a networking reception.
  • Cup of coffee mini-mentorship program
    Mentees will meet with a later career mentor for half an hour at the Annual Meeting, to be held at a mutually agreeable time. Mentoring sessions will be arranged at the Academic Hub. This is a pilot with potential expansion to a virtual program.

Summer 2026 events

Academic Career Design Workshop (virtual)
Through this workshop, faculty participants will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Recognize and articulate their individual character strengths, noting their top 5 signature strengths
  • Develop strategies to intentionally leverage these strengths in their professional roles
  • Discuss and share opportunities to integrate character strengths into their teaching, advising, mentoring, and professional development practices
  • Build stronger bonds in community practice

A day in the life of an academic neurologist

What is a typical day like for an academic neurologist? The answer: There is no typical day! Watch interviews with academic neurologists with varied career paths to learn more about the opportunities and rewards of a career in academic neurology. 

Watch the Day in the Life playlist, or select a video below:

Daniel Jose Correa, MD, MSc, FAAN
Dr. Correa describes his different clinical roles, his associate dean and education roles, his work with the AAN, and the evolution of his career.

Roy H. Hamilton, MD, MS, FANA, FAAN
Dr. Hamilton describes the mix of clinical work, research, and administrative work that shapes his day-to-day life, as well as his interest in academic neurology and the rewards of an academic career.

Ihtsham Haq, MD, FAAN 
Dr. Haq describes his clinical work, research, administrative triage, and the importance of connecting with colleagues and finding community.

H. E. Hinson, MD, MCR, FAAN 
Dr. Hinson describes the exciting contrasts and challenges of an academic neurology career that have kept them engaged over the course of their career.

Susanne Muehlschlegel, MD, MPH, FAAN 
Dr. Muehlschlegel describes the variety of her work life, the growth of her career in concert with the growth of her subspecialty, and the opportunities provided and supported by an academic career.

Andrew Spector, MD, FAAN 
Dr. Spector describes how each day is different, the shift in his views on academic neurology, and the joy of trying new things.

Kiran Thakur, MD, FAAN
Dr. Thakur describes the flexibility of an academic career, following research questions, and the fulfillment of being connected to a broader community of neurologists.

Annise Wilson, MD 
Dr. Wilson describes shaping her career through research interests, the rewards of teaching, and the joy of a flexible and evolving career.

Why I love academic neurology

“I love academic neurology because I get to influence the next generation of neurologists. Even if the resident, medical student, undergrad student, or aspiring high school student does not end up choosing neurology as a career path, the look on their faces when information comes alive in front of them is priceless. I remain in contact with current practicing physicians who are not neurologists who remember neurology facts, treatments, or management approaches because of what we have discussed years ago, and they remember the information fondly!”  —José H. Posas, MD, FAAN 

“Academic neurology allows me to have flexibility in my work, with opportunities to do research, see patients, educate or serve the community. As my career has progressed, the amount of time I spend on these activities and the way I engage with them have changed and that allows me to stay motivated and take on new challenges. I can’t imagine a better fit.” —Deborah Hall, MD, PhD, FAAN