Neurosurgical rotations or clerkships in US medical schools

Abstract

There is significant room for improvement in the neurosurgeon-to-medical student interactions in both the NSCs and during the didactic years of medical school.

Medical Student Education in Neurosurgery: Optional or Essential?

“…However, a formalized neurosurgical curriculum that was suggested to the deans has not been instituted in the majority of medical schools as of 2011. 11 Reasons likely include the lack of emphasis of neurosurgical content on National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) general and subject exams as well as the perceived rarity of neurosurgical disease seen by PCPs. Content of medical school curricula is often driven by NBME subject matter and content on such exams is driven by medical school curricular content.…”

“…Patients who received decompressive surgery within 24 hours had improved urinary function and seemed to have decreased incidence of chronic pain. 11 As chronic pain leads to healthcare expenditures in the range of billions of U.S. dollars due to medical utilization and disability, the opportunity to limit a patient's chance of chronic pain is significant. 11,12 Further, 40% of medical lawsuits regarding missed diagnoses of CES were judged in favor of the plaintiff, with an average award of $1.57 million USD.…”

“…11 As chronic pain leads to healthcare expenditures in the range of billions of U.S. dollars due to medical utilization and disability, the opportunity to limit a patient's chance of chronic pain is significant. 11,12 Further, 40% of medical lawsuits regarding missed diagnoses of CES were judged in favor of the plaintiff, with an average award of $1.57 million USD. 13 These figures clearly demonstrate how education, dialogue, and a better referral process would result in benefit to patients, providers, and society.…”

“…14 Further, in 2011, 62% of medical schools did not have a formal neurosurgical curriculum and 90% of schools did not have a designated neurosurgical textbook. 11 In addition, 59% of the deans felt that neurosurgery is an unnecessary student rotation. 11 Our report as well as a recent survey of graduating medical school students demonstrates inadequate training in diagnosis of neurosurgical conditions (Figure 1).…”

“…11 In addition, 59% of the deans felt that neurosurgery is an unnecessary student rotation. 11 Our report as well as a recent survey of graduating medical school students demonstrates inadequate training in diagnosis of neurosurgical conditions (Figure 1). 15 Previous literature has suggested the use of clinical neurosurgery electives as a method for increasing medical student exposure and interest in neurosurgery.…”