Nicholas Blair MDSANZ Travelling Fellowship

Purpose:
The purpose of the fellowship is to provide an opportunity for an outstanding Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN) advanced trainee or early career neurologist to undertake clinical experience and/or research in the field of Movement Disorders.

In addition to fostering career development for the successful applicant, it is hoped that the Fellowship will promote specialization and clinical research in Movement Disorders in Australia and New Zealand. The Fellowship will be hosted by a centre of excellence in movement disorders clinical practice and/or research, to be chosen by the candidate. This should ordinarily be for a period of at least one month and not in the candidate's home city. However, during travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for a fellowship of shorter duration, in the applicant's home state and/or for other purposes involving professional development in the field of movement disorders will be considered (please see "Value of Fellowship" below).

The Fellowship is named in honour of the late Dr Nicholas Blair, who was an outstanding clinician scientist in the field of Movement Disorders and a former recipient of the MDSANZ Movement Disorder Fellowship.

Value of Fellowship:
AUD$10,000 (exclusive of GST)

During travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a fellowship of lower value to be utilized in the applicant's home state, for a period of less than one month and/or for other purposes involving professional development in the field of movement disorders will be considered.

Minimum eligibility criteria:
Applicants must be:

1. Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, and
2. Either of the following:
   a. a current ANZAN Affiliate in Training
   b. a full ANZAN member who is a graduate of the ANZAN advanced training program and is within 3 years of being awarded their FRACP

Application process:
Applications must include the following information:

1. Detailed description of the proposed fellowship/research project to be undertaken during the Fellowship (maximum 2 pages)
2. Confirmation of acceptance by the host institution for the Fellowship
3. Nomination of educational supervisor at the host institution
4. Proposed weekly timetable for the Movement Disorder Program and names of consultants attached to the Movement Disorder Unit at the host institution
5. Curriculum vitae of the applicant, including qualifications and experience, relevant research experience and publications
6. Written reports from two academic or professional referees

Assessment process:
Applications will be assessed by a sub-committee nominated by the MDSANZ Executive Committee

Short-listed candidates will be required to undergo a selection interview

Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:

• The plan for the fellowship, including potential clinical and/or research outcome
• Clinical and research experience and publications
• Professional society activity
• Referee reports and interview

Reporting:

1. The nominated educational supervisor is required to provide written confirmation of satisfactory completion of the fellowship
2. The successful applicant is required to provide a report to the MDSANZ Executive on the outcome of the Fellowship within 6 months of completion, in the form of a short report that can be circulated to the MDSANZ Membership