Characteristics of graduating US allopathic medical students pursuing a career in neurology

Abstract

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with medical students becoming neurologists because, despite the increasing burden of neurologic disorders, there is a growing neurologist shortage.MethodsDeidentified data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) and Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) were obtained for the graduation years 2013 to 2014 through 2016 to 2017. Logistic regression was used to assess demographic characteristics and responses to training and career-related questions in association with specialty choice (intent to enter neurology).ResultsOf the 51,816 students with complete data, 1,456 (2.8%) indicated an intent to enter a neurology residency. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of entering neurology were a student's rating of excellent for their basic neuroscience course and neurology clerkship, participation in an MD/PhD program, majoring in neuroscience or psychology as an undergraduate, a selection response of “content of the specialty was a strong influence on career choice,” and indicating interest in neurology on the MSQ. Factors associated with a decreased likelihood of entering neurology were a higher-priority response on the GQ for salary, work/life balance, and personal fit of the specialty.ConclusionData from surveys at the entry into and graduation from medical school suggest several approaches to increase the number of medical students entering neurology, including a focus on the student-reported quality of the basic neuroscience course and neurology clerkships, targeted engagement with MD/PhD students, and mentoring programs for students interested in neurology. Efforts to improve salaries for neurologists, to reduce medical school debt, and to improve work/life balance may also help to attract more students.

Educational Research: Why Medical Students Choose Neurology

“…K-means analysis identified consistent themes found in personal statements (salient examples in Table 2). Themes included (1) fascination with the brain and interest in neuroscience and the mysteries encountered while studying the brain, (2) references to past research and interest in future research experience, (3) the desire to help those in need to heal, (4) early interest and exposure to neurology, (5) continued pursuit of learning and potential for discovery, (6) appreciation for time and relationships with patients, (7) shared family connection or history with neurologic illness, and (8) intellectual curiosity/interest in puzzles and problem solving.…”

“…Similar findings were identified in the Gutmann et al survey study, in which high ratings of basic neuroscience courses and clerkships were associated with a greater likelihood of entering the field of neurology. 6 However as they point out, one limitation of their study is that the AAMC surveys do not capture students' perceptions of neurology as a specialty. Negative student preconceptions about neurology --that it is impenetrably complicated and offers little by way of treatments for patients with neurological disease --are often grouped together under the concept of "neurophobia".…”

“…In a recent large survey study on characteristics of medical students pursuing a career in neurology, Gutmann et al note that recruiting future neurologists requires a deeper understanding of the reasons why medical students choose to enter this field. 6 Using a large-scale computational linguistics approach to neurology residency application personal statements, we used applicants' own words to identify several shared themes for choosing neurology, and found differences in the way female and male applicants conceptualized the field. These data may offer a better understanding of the factors that motivate students to pursue training in neurology, which can in turn inform educational approaches.…”

Diversifying Child Neurology: Developing a Workforce That Reflects the Patients and Families for Whom We Care

“…1,2 Early exposure to basic and clinical neuroscience enhances the likelihood of pursuit of a career in neurology. 3,4 For example, in the United States, 3.5% medical students obtained their undergraduate degree in the field of neuroscience. Of these students, 21.5% chose neurology as their likely specialty at matriculation.…”

“…2 During medical school, faculty mentors, exposure to a field during the first year of medical school, and outpatient experiences all play a role in attracting students to a specialty. 3 Graduates of historically black medical schools (HBMSs) and/or historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) account for as many as 70% of US black health care professionals and upward of 20% of US black physicians. 5,6 In view of this, I hypothesized that increasing availability of neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry curricular elements and faculty mentors at HBCUs would enhance the likelihood that a graduate of these schools would choose to pursue a career in clinical neuroscience.…”