Named after J. Gail Neely, MD, former WashU Medicine Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology, the Neely National Clinician-Scientist Mentorship Network was created to provide mentorship to otolaryngologists interested in clinician-scientist careers.
The mentorship program recognizes and honors Neely’s exceptional dedication to teaching, influential research contributions, and lasting impact on the careers of many resident trainees. The network embodies Neely’s commitment to fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists. Neely served as Principal Investigator of the T32 Physician-Scientist Development Program at WashU Med Otolaryngology for many years.
Neely assembled the first group of mentors who met casually in 2014 but was unable to attend due to illness that would cause his death a few years later. In 2024, University of Rochester Chair of Otolaryngology Shawn Newlands, MD, and current Otolaryngology Vice-Chair for Research Jay Piccirillo, MD, received a grant from the NIH to provide infrastructure, promote both in-person and virtual meetings and continue to build this nationwide peer mentorship network. The funding recognizes the value of these important contributors to the development and growth of the otolaryngology research community.
The Network is sponsored by the Triological Society, a society for medical professionals in the fields of laryngology, otology and rhinology. The current list of more than 60 mentors includes well-known names in the field and an impressive number who trained at WashU Medicine under Neely.
The group receives advice on mentoring, communication, time-management and other skills deemed essential for success as a clinician-scientist. Piccirillo has presented the first few information seminars this year on topics that include scientific communication tools and techniques, grant writing and career development.
But mentees aren’t the only ones to receive advice and guidance. WashU Medicine otolaryngologist and Assistant Dean for Faculty Coaching John Schneider, MD will provide a seminar May 28 on, “Coaching Frameworks for Listening and Asking Questions.”
For Piccirillo, the mission has been a treasured experience.
“It has been a real joy and honor to work with Dr. Newlands and all the mentees and mentors to further Gail’s vision for providing support that will ensure future generations of otolaryngology clinician-scholars.”