Translational Research in Neuro AIDS and Mental Health

Funded by NIMH program on mentoring to diversify mental health HIV research through innovative educational initiatives.

Course description: This course is designed to train the next generation of Neuro-AIDS researchers who will address issues faced by the minority populations with regards to neurocognitive impairment due to HIV infection. The course consists of a series of lectures and discussions, mentoring program and provides pilot grants to select few on a competitive basis.

Offered: Fall (August-December)

Program Directors: Amanda Brown, MD, PhD; Justin C McArthur, MD, MBBS, MPH; Richard T. Johnson, MD

Course Coordinator: Gretchen Detweiler

The course focuses on the issues related to co-morbidities associated with neuro-AIDS, such as mental illness, hepatitis C infection (HCV), drug and alcohol abuse, as well as issues that may be most relevant to underrepresented minorities.

Credits: 1.5

Grading: Background class presentation – 25%; class discussion – 25%; final take-home exam – 50%.

Course objectives:

• Present an opportunity to learn about all aspects of Neuro-AIDS research
• Create an environment for networking and collaboration between students and experienced scientists
• Offer an opportunity for partnerships among ethnic minority scientists working on complementary scientific projects
• Develop the next generation of researchers in Neuro-AIDS

Schedule: The course begins each year on the last Tuesday in August and runs until the third week of December. The class meets every Tuesday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. The course will run for a total of 12 weeks.

Registration:

• Trainees affiliated with Johns Hopkins may register through the Registrar for the School of Medicine.
• For individuals not affiliated with Johns Hopkins, fill out the required forms and email to the course co-director, Amanda Brown.