A Shortage of Neurologists – We Must Act Now

Abstract

In nearly every US state, a large mismatch exists between the need for neurologists and neurologic services and the availability of neurologists to provide these services. Patients with neurologic disorders are rising in prevalence and require access to high-level care to reduce disability. The current neurology mismatch reduces access to care, worsens patient outcomes, and erodes career satisfaction and quality of life for neurologists as they face increasingly insurmountable demands. As a community, we must address this mismatch in the demand and supply of neurologic care in an aggressive and sustained manner to ensure the future health of our patients and our specialty. The American Academy of Neurology has multiple ongoing initiatives to help reduce and resolve the existing mismatch. With the intent of raising awareness and widening the debate nationally, we present a strategic plan that the Academy could implement to coordinate and expand existing efforts. We characterize the suggested strategies as shaping the demand, enhancing the workforce, and advocating for neurologist value. The proposed framework is based on available data and expert opinion when data were lacking. Prioritization of strategies will vary by geography, practice setting, and local resources. The time to act is now to allow concerted effort and targeted interventions to avert this looming public health crisis.

2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures

“…The shortage of geriatricians and other relevant specialists has been attributed to a combination of factors, including growth in demand due to population aging; substantively lower pay for geriatricians and neurologists compared with many other specialist physicians; an inadequate number of clinician educators with relevant specialties on the faculties of health professional schools; limited availability of incentives to choose these specialties, such as loan forgiveness programs; and the insufficient respect and recognition accorded to geriatricians and related specialists 636,637 …”

“…and the insufficient respect and recognition accorded to geriatricians and related specialists. 636,637 Limited confidence 629 and time 638 among PCPs and the widespread shortage of geriatricians and other specialists can result in delayed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. During these delays, people living with dementia could otherwise have been enrolled…”

Ideal Foundational Requirements for Stroke Program Development and Growth: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

“…Advanced practice providers (APPs) play an increasingly important role in stroke center operations given the vascular neurology shortage. 11,[18][19][20] These health care professionals include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists and are typically masters-or doctoral-educated clinicians who ideally have completed postgraduate vascular neurology fellowship training with certification as an advanced neurovascular practitioner. 21 Table 2 highlights common acute stroke advanced practice roles.…”

Be in the Digital Room Where it Happens, Part II: Social Media for Neurology Educators

“… 51 , 52 Additionally, the shortage of neurologists in the face of an increasing number of patients with chronic neurological disorders can overwhelm the current workforce and further aggravate neurophobia. 53 , 54 SoMe offer a unique opportunity for neurology educators to combat neurophobia in an accessible, digestible, interactive, and supportive manner. 9 , 55 Uniquely, SoMe can invite a broad range of medical professionals to the conversation, such as with the Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) Twitter journal club, which draws neurologists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and trainees into the bimonthly discussion.…”