Residency Training: A practical guide for medical students who are planning a future in neurology

Abstract

Medical students choose neurology for many reasons, including interest in neuroscience, the intellectual challenge of diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, and the opportunity for continuity of care. Neurologists have great flexibility in choice of practice environment, ranging from an exclusively inpatient setting to a strictly clinic-based practice. The purpose of this article is to provide practical, actionable, systematic advice for medical students at every level of training on how to prepare for a neurology residency application and a career in neurology. To this end, we include a timeline designed to guide students’ efforts throughout their medical school education. These recommendations incorporate the viewpoints of key participants in many aspects of medical student and resident neuroscience education. The timeline and recommendations outline a suggested early, proactive approach, but should not discourage students from considering neurology at a later point in their training. Neurology remains an inclusive specialty that welcomes students of all backgrounds and offers a rewarding career in one of the most exciting fields in medicine.

Residency Training: A Practical Guide for Medical Students who are Planning a Future in Child Neurology

“…A few private institutions, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, also offer research opportunities. 10 Medical students are encouraged to attend local, regional, and national meetings to network in the field and broaden their knowledge base. The CNS offers one national meeting featuring abstract and poster presentations, various symposia providing in-depth discussion of various neurological conditions affecting children, a writing workshop, and several specialty interest group meetings, guest speakers, etc The AAN and ANA organize two national meetings that offer similar opportunities.…”

“…A few private institutions, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, also offer research opportunities. 10 …”

“…Medical schools and neurology departments may also have funding available to students. 10 Many neurology subspecialty societies, including NBS, hold annual meetings which may be of interest to students interested in subspecialty fields.…”

“…However, elective rotations should not be entirely in neurology and instead should include areas of medicine that may assist in developing valuable background knowledge such as developmental pediatrics, neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric intensive care unit. 10 Other electives that can be considered include genetics, ophthalmology, neuroradiology, or pathology.…”

Contemporary Neuroscience Core Curriculum for Medical Schools

“…The AAN has many resources for students interested in neurology, including a practical guide for those planning a career in the field. 11 distribute them across several courses. For example, some schools teach normal structure and function in one course and abnormal function in a different course, whereas others combine them.…”