To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-faceted, incentive-based program, established by a Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN), in increasing medical student engagement and encouraging participation in neurological activities at an Indian university.
India faces a severe healthcare disparity, with an estimated ratio of only one neurologist for every 1.25 million people. The country needs an estimated 20,000 neurologists, yet currently has only about 2,000-2,500. Addressing neurophobia and low student interest is critical to mitigating this profound healthcare burden and improving specialized care accessibility.
This study is a Program Evaluation of activities organized by the SIGN chapter at Bharati Vidyapeeth University in 2024. The program's core intervention was the use of incentives (cash prizes, certificates, research authorship): (1) a state-level Neurology Quiz (“Neuro-Quest 2024”), (2) a structured research collaboration and mentorship program, (3) hands-on case discussions led by senior consultants, (4) journal clubs, and (5) a Brain Day Symposium. Effectiveness was measured by student participation rates, membership growth, and academic output.
From its inception in January 2024, the SIGN chapter grew from fewer than 60 founding members to over 140 active members, representing a 133% increase. The flagship State-level Neurology Quiz, Neuro-Quest 2024, successfully engaged 108 participants (54 teams) from across the state. Furthermore, the research collaboration track resulted in 15 students joining research projects, and three members successfully presented posters at the AAN 2025 Annual Meeting. The total investment for these high-impact events was approximately 4,200 USD (350,000 Indian Rupees), establishing a sense of curiosity and sustained learning.
Strategically incentivizing interventions via tangible rewards and high-value experiences is a highly effective model for increasing student engagement and interest in the field of neurology. Scaling these student-led initiatives is a vital, low-cost strategy to combat neurophobia and address the severe specialist shortage crisis in India.