Residency training in neurological surgery, 1934–1984: evolution over 50 years of trial and tribulation

Abstract

The President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) reviews formal neurosurgical training in the United States from its inception with one program in 1934 to 1984, with 94 programs and 650 residents. He reports on the 1st year's experience with a national neurosurgical residency matching plan. He presents realistic remedies for today's professional liability dilemma and analyzes socioeconomic factors that have led to the complex challenges facing neurosurgeons in this decade, relating the importance of the AANS mission and goals in resolving these issues.

A Scoping Review of Professionalism in Neurosurgery

“…Articles examining professional development ranged from resident training to maintenance of certification. 118-151 The most common type of publication in this category was preintervention and postintervention studies. 123,124,128,130,131,136,147,148 The development and implementation of the ACGME milestones was discussed in several articles.…”

Efficacy of Neurosurgery Resident Education in the New Millennium

“…Even before the retrenchment efforts of organized neurosurgery, many senior neurosurgical educators advocated quality assurance and excellence in resident education. 2,5,7,9,10,12,[21][22][23][24] The results of this study suggest overwhelmingly that neurosurgical residents rate and value their training experience highly and are prepared for practice. The exceptions, however, are important to consider.…”

“…It is critical to maintain the same level of skill and expertise among all neurosurgeons; therefore, it is our intransigent duty to protect and preserve quality neurosurgical education now and in the future. 7,23,41 The 2008 CSNS Post-Residency Survey data provide a crucial adjunct to in-training, or post-graduation residency program evaluations. Our study suggests that in most areas, neurosurgical graduates are well prepared for neurosurgical practice.…”

“…of the Society of Neurological Surgeons, ABNS, Residency Review Committee, ACGME, and other organizations, training programs continue to evolve. 5,7,9,10 The complex and interdependent organizational relationships between the ACGME, ABNS, and the AANS, CNS, AANS/CNS Subspecialty Sections, CSNS, American Board of Medical Specialties, Federation of State Medical Boards, National Board of Medical Examiners, and the Society for Neurological Surgeons ensure that neurosurgical residency programs graduate highly skilled neurosurgeons. 11,12 Several educational medical and surgical organizations have recognized the need to assess the value of residency training and the preparedness for practice.…”