Shaping Future Neurologists through Academic Partnerships
By Jason Merritt, vice president, Premier Physician Network and Neuroscience Service Line
The neurology residency program is one of the six key pillars of the Premier Health Neuroscience service line strategy. The program supports the academic partnership with Wright State University to develop programs of distinction to reduce outmigration and improve the community's health. The Clinical Neuroscience Institute (CNSI) is dedicated to advancing the field of neurology through a holistic approach that aligns with Premier Health’s mission. By integrating cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatments, CNSI works to improve the quality of life for patients while fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes empathy and comprehensive care. For more than 10 years, CNSI has partnered with the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM). Through this partnership, Wright State University and Premier Health CNSI demonstrate their commitment to training the next generation of providers; with a rigorous academic program and hands-on clinical experiences, students gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers. Dr. Bryan Ludwig, M.D., the Chair of CNSI, also serves as the endowed chair of the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) Department of Neurology, further strengthening this collaboration. CNSI’s residency program, which started in 2014, includes 34 faculty members across various neuro specialties such as child neurology, epilepsy, vascular neurology, neuroimmunology, neurocritical care, headache medicine, neurointervention, and TeleHealth. Additionally, CNSI launched its fellowship program in 2020. Approximately 25% of the graduating residents return to work at CNSI, reflecting the strong sense of community within the institute. The inclusion of the residency in the service line strategy reflects the key role that the residents play not only as learners but as key contributors to the neuroscience patient care environment across Premier Health and the greater Dayton community. In 2025, Premier Health demonstrated its commitment to training the next generation of physicians by increasing the number of neurology residents each year from four to five. This additional resident slot will allow for greater learning and improved patient clinical access. Over the last two years, Premier Health has invested in additional fellowship positions for neuroscience. The current fellowships include stroke, neurointervention, neurocritical care, multiple sclerosis, and headache.
The academic mission has been key to the success of the Neuroscience Service Line over the last ten years. As we strive to fulfill our vision to Inspire Better Health, it’s clear that the residents, fellows, attendings and APPs will play a key role in defining that success.
Back to the March 2025 issue of Premier Pulse
