Interest in Providing Multiple Sclerosis Care and Subspecializing in Multiple Sclerosis Among Neurology Residents

Abstract

Increasing opportunities to interact with MS patients, learn about MS care, and participate in MS research may increase interest in MS care and subspecialization among neurology residents. Opportunities to educate residents regarding MS patient care may affect residents' attitudes.

Factors Associated With Interest in Subspecialty Training Among Neurology Residents

“…As part of the Multiple Sclerosis Physician Workforce study, 6 we reviewed previously developed physician career surveys to identify items relevant to assessing neurology residents' intentions to pursue subspecialty training. We adapted existing questions and crafted new items to develop a draft neurology resident survey.…”

Projecting the Adequacy of the Multiple Sclerosis Neurologist Workforce

“…Non-MS subspecialists who lack sufficient knowledge to feel comfortable caring for patients with MS or who lack knowledge regarding newer DMTs see substantially fewer individuals with MS. 9 Facilitating knowledge of current MS treatment patterns, including recently approved DMTs, among non-MS subspecialists, the largest group of neurologists, may substantially increase the capacity of the MS neurologist workforce.…”

“…for providing MS patient care. 9 Providing additional personnel and other supports to assist with MS patient care may reduce physi-…”

“…More detailed information about the MS Neurologist Workforce Study Surveys appears in the articles by Halpern et al 9,10 and Kane et al 11 Briefly, these surveys collected information on exposure to individuals with MS during neurology training, interest in provision of care for patients with MS (among neurology residents), and current provision of care for patients with MS (among neurologists). The neurology resident survey also captured subsequent career plans, that is, interest in completing an MS fellowship, completing a neurology fellowship in a subspecialty area other than MS, or entering practice as a general neurologist.…”

Consensus Curriculum for Fellowship Training in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

“…Finally, general neurologists find it increasingly difficult to provide optimal care for people living with MS and NID including management of day-to-day symptoms and psychosocial sequelae. 8,9 Unfortunately, there are not enough MS and NI subspecialists available, and anticipated shortages in the future workforce compound the problem. 10 As demand for specialists increases, MS and NI fellowship training programs have been created or expanded.…”