A Categorical 4-Year Child Neurology Residency: It's Time

Robert Thompson-Stone; Rachel Gottlieb-Smith; Danny A. Rogers; Kathryn Xixis; Rachel Pearson; Lindsay Pagano; Margie Ream

doi:10.1055/a-2767-2331

Seminars in Neurology, Table of Contents

Semin Neurol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2767-2331

Review Article

A Categorical 4-Year Child Neurology Residency: It's Time

Authors

Robert Thompson-Stone

¹Department of Neurology, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
Rachel Gottlieb-Smith

²Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Danny A. Rogers

³Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Kathryn Xixis

⁴Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Rachel Pearson

⁵Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Children's Hospital Orange County, Part of Rady Children's Health, Irvine, California, United States
Lindsay Pagano

⁶Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Margie Ream

⁷Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States

Abstract

Child neurology training has undergone minimal change over the decades, despite a rapid growth in subspecialty knowledge, patient volumes, and complexity. The current 5-year structure, which was established due to necessary historical compromises between pediatrics and neurology, is increasingly misaligned with modern clinical practice and educational priorities. Most child neurologists no longer pursue dual pediatrics certification, and few provide neurologic care to adult patients. Meanwhile, the field has expanded significantly in complexity and volume, making it a large enough specialty to sustain an independent curriculum. We propose a streamlined 4-year categorical residency model that integrates relevant components of pediatrics and adult neurology while centering training around child neurology from the start. This model, which aligns better with structures seen in comparable specialties, prioritizes flexibility and increases the opportunities for longitudinal mentorship and professional development. Thoughtful planning and collaboration will be essential to surmount challenges during the transition, including changes in board certification and alterations to institutional funding. Modernizing child neurology training is essential to better prepare future specialists, support recruitment and resident development, and meet the evolving needs of children with neurologic disorders.

Keywords

child neurology - residency - graduate medicale ducation

Full Text

References

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