Attracting neurology's next generation

Abstract

ObjectivesTo better understand the reasons medical students select or avoid a career in neurology by using a qualitative methodology to explore these factors, with the long-term objective of attracting more graduates to the field.MethodsIn 2017, 27 medical students and 15 residents participated in 5 focus groups, and 33 fourth-year medical students participated in semistructured individual interviews. Participants were asked predefined open-ended questions about specialty choice, experiences in their basic neuroscience course and neurology clerkship, and perceptions about the field. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. We used a flexible coding methodology to generate themes across groups and interviews.ResultsFour main analytical themes emerged: (1) early and broad clinical exposure allows students to “try on” neurology and experience the variety of career options; (2) preclerkship experiences and a strong neuroscience curriculum lay the foundation for interest in the field; (3) personal interactions with neurology providers may attract or deter students from considering the specialty; and (4) persistent stereotypes about neurologists, neurology patients, and treatment options harm student perceptions of neurology.ConclusionEfforts to draw more students to neurology may benefit from focusing on clinical correlations during preclerkship neuroscience courses and offering earlier and more diverse clinical experiences, including hands-on responsibilities whenever possible. Finally, optimizing student interactions with faculty and residents and reinforcing the many positive aspects of neurology are likely to favorably affect student perceptions.

Neurology Education in 2035

“…The predicted shortage of neurologists has sparked interest in the neurology pipeline, and the influence of individual neurology educators is a central component of this. [31][32][33] Over a decade ago, "teacher" and "educator" were synonymous, but with the increased academic recognition of educators, professional development opportunities for educators, and funding for educational scholarship, distinct categories of neurology educators have emerged. Advancement in recognition of educators has allowed neurologists to engage in educational scholarship and step into educational leadership roles locally, nationally, and globally.…”

Understanding How to Strengthen the Neurology Pipeline With Insights From Undergraduate Neuroscience Students

“…The inclusion of clinical information in basic coursework was cited by medical trainees to contribute to specialty interest. 5…”

“…The inclusion of clinical information in basic coursework was cited by medical trainees to contribute to specialty interest. 5 Increasing Undergraduate Exposure to Neurologists and Clinical Neurology Although less than one-third of the students had spoken with a neurologist about career experience, of those who had, almost all found it beneficial. Personal connections were the most common resource cited by undergraduates for getting connected directly with a neurologist.…”

“…4 Given the high number of neuroscience majors today and the few students entering medical school with interest in neurology, a disconnect seems to exist between interest in the undergraduate neurosciences and the field of neurology. Although personal interactions with neurology professionals can attract medical students into the specialty, 5 it is unclear what clinical neurology exposure undergraduates receive.…”

A Shortage of Neurologists – We Must Act Now

“…11 Supply Medical students are clear that early clinical exposure to a specialty is critical in their selection, with the majority choosing a specialty midway to late in their third year. 12 However, of the programs requiring neurology rotations, 33% allow the rotations to be completed in the fourth year, after students have made their specialty choices. 13 We anticipate that earlier exposure will entice more medical students to join the field of neurology.…”