Training Matters in 2007

In this Training Matters article, the authors highlight the need for neurologists to develop advocacy skills that they can use to promote high-priority issues facing the practice of neurology. The authors describe a training program that teaches participants to identify issues related to clinical practice, develop an action plan for dealing with these problems, and apply strategies to improve their communication skills.

Neurology residency education is undergoing considerable change in many countries, not least the US and Poland. Ralph F Józefowicz, who has experience with neurology residency training in both countries, compares their respective training programs and argues that the two systems have much to learn from one another during the reform process.

Virtual reality simulation has a growing role in teaching physicians to perform high-risk, complex or technically demanding procedures. In this Training Matters article, David Dawson discusses the benefits of using this approach for training in carotid artery stenting.

In developing countries, where the burden of neurological diseases is growing, there is a defi nite and pressing need to develop and strengthen neurology training and services. This Training Matters article provides insight into some of the problems facing neurology training in Ethiopia and discusses some practical ways in which it might be improved.

In this Training Matters article, Samuel Frank advocates teaching as a ubiquitous skill that neurology residents need to acquire regardless of whether they are pursuing a career in clinical practice or academics. The author also discusses potential methods to assess and improve resident teaching skills.